HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-86-09RESOLUTION
NO. ~--gg-~
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN,
FLORIDA, REQUESTING AFFIRMATIVE AND
IMMEDIATE ACTION BY THE STATE OF FLORIDA
TO REDUCE MORTALITY RATES IN THE WEST
INDIAN MANATEE PROPULATION.
WHEREAS, the West Indian Manatee is an endangered
species important to the citizens of the Treasure Coast Region of
Florida and the entire State of Florida; and
WHEREAS, this species is a symbol of South Florida
waterways; and substantial threat to the continued existence of
this species in Florida waterways and within the Treasure Coast
Region; and
WHEREAS, a signigicant source of mortality in the
West Indian Manatee population is man-related and due to impacts
by boats and other causes directly related to man's activities;
and
WHEREAS, boating opportunities are important to
the citizens and economy of this region and the State of Florida
in general; and
WHEREAS, it is the opinion of the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service that construction of new marina facilities should
not be allowed until such time as existing mortality rates are
reduced; and
WHEREAS, continued growth in boating opportunities
cannot occur within this region without further threatening the
survival of the West Indian manatee population unless prior and
comprehensive State and regionwide action is taken to reduce
existing levels of man-induced manatee mortality;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the City
Council of the City of Sebastian, Florida, requests on hehalf of
its residents that the state of Florida take whatever affirmative
and immediate action is deemed necessary to reduce and eliminate
existing and future amn-related mortality in the West Indian manatee
population, thereby allowing future growth in boating opportunities.
Pursuant to this goal it is recommended that the following actions
be considered and, if warranted, be implemented:
1. Expand slow and idle speed zone areas to
include all areas within which this species occurs.
2. Expant to whatever extent is necessary en,
forcement of laws designed to protect the West Indian manatee
from harm.
3. Require licensing and education of all power
boat operators.
4. Require licensing fees of sufficinet magnitude
to fund administrative costs to the State and costs of expanded
enforcement requirements.
5. Designate only particular areas of waterway
as greater than idle speed zones.
Kenneth E. Roth, Vice Mayor
/~TEST~ ~'-''>
.... Deborah' C. Kra~es, City Cle
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was
duly passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Sebastian,
Florida, this ,~P~ day of ~~z~4j ,1986.
Deborah C. Krages, City Cle