New webcams, both above and below the water, have been set up at Silver Springs State Park to capture manatees and other wildlife at the park. (Photo: Save the Manatee Club)
Webcams were set up earlier this year at Silver Springs State Park to capture video and photos of manatees and other wildlife at the park. (Photo: Save the Manatee Club)

To the Editor:

Manatees are as Floridian as alligators and Key Lime Pie. This holiday season, let’s come together to save these amazing animals.

In May 2017, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reclassified the Florida Manatee from endangered to threatened. Since then, populations have declined due to water pollution, habitat loss, and boat strikes.

In 2019, Ron DeSantis pledged $70 million dollars to rescue and rehabilitation. Laudable, but their conservation status remains unchanged.

Uplisting was discussed last year, but the USFWS needs a push. There are several petitions on websites like Change.org worth signing and sharing as soon as possible.

We should also remind our representatives that manatees are an irreplaceable part of our state’s rich natural heritage.

Adam Alonzi
Gainesville