Conservation News
Boaters and lobbyists agree with new manatee laws
By Victor A. Hill, [email protected]
Compromise isn't a word often used to describe the ongoing debate between boaters' rights advocates and environmental lobbyists over manatee regulations.
But changes to the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, approved by the state Legislature last month, provides a compromise that, for a change, satisfies both sides.
Both groups offered their spin on the amendments and the benefits to boaters and the state-protected sea cows.
"We're satisfied that it's a beginning," said Jim Kalvin, president and chief executive officer of Standing Watch, a boater advocacy group based in Naples.
"We got our rights written into the statute. ... We feel like more could be written in."
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