CHAPTER VI 



SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN 



The Commission reviews the status of marine mammal 

 populations and makes recommendations for appropriate actions 

 and designations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and 

 the Endangered Species Act. During 1982, the Commission 

 continued to direct its efforts toward the several species 

 of marine mammals designated as "endangered" or "threatened," 

 including the West Indian manatee, the Hawaiian monk seal, 

 the California sea otter, the bowhead whale, the humpback 

 whale, and the right whale. Attention was also focused on 

 bottlenose dolphin populations in the southeastern United 

 States because of concern that Outer Continental Shelf oil 

 and gas activities and continued, long-term taking could be 

 placing unacceptable stress on certain populations and 

 subpopulations . 



West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus ) 



The West Indian manatee is one of the most endangered 

 species of marine mammals found in the coastal waters of the 

 United States. The largest concentrations are found 

 in Florida. 



The Florida manatee population is generally estimated 

 to be somewhat above 1,000 animals, but there is reason to 

 believe it may be declining. A high level of manatee 

 mortality in the past few years, including a record high 

 number of deaths in 1982, heightens concern for the species. 

 Based on recovered carcasses, the levels of mortality for 

 the past six years have been: 99 animals in 1977; 79 animals 

 in 1978; 73 animals in 1979; 63 animals in 1980; 113 animals 

 in 1981; and 117 animals in 1982. 



Many of the deaths recorded in the past two years are 

 related to unusual phenomena. In 19 81, as had been the 

 case in 1977, an extended period of cold winter weather 

 contributed to the high mortality rate. In 1982, the 

 deaths of the 37 animals which died during February and 

 March in the vicinity of Fort Myers were tentatively 

 linked to an occurrence of red tide. 



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