New Survey Shows Florida Voters Strongly Favor Better Efforts to Protect Manatees

ARCHIVED 2002–2016: Originally distributed via the eWire press wire service. Preserved as historical record.

SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE |

Conservation & Wildlife

Corporate Responsibility

Science & Technology

Syndication Partners

**************************************************************************

E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE

**************************************************************************

TO ENVIRONMENTAL AND POLITICAL EDITORS:

New Survey Shows Florida Voters Strongly Favor Better Efforts to Protect Manatees

Study Precedes Major Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Ruling

TALLAHASSEE, IDAHO, Mar. 26 -/E-Wire/-- A new survey finds Florida voters are well-informed, concerned and want action taken to protect manatees. According to the report, two-thirds of voters say more should be done to protect these giant marine mammals. Boaters and non-boaters alike favor lowering boat speeds in manatee zones, increasing fines for violators, limiting waterfront development and designating more sanctuaries for the endangered species.

The survey precedes Friday's meeting of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, when the FWCC â which sets manatee protection measures for the state â is scheduled to determine new boating regulations for Brevard County. This decision is expected to set the stage for further protection measures throughout state. The Commission may also announce its decision on signing a lawsuit settlement reached earlier in the year between the state of Florida and a coalition of 18 environmental, animal welfare and public interest groups.

"We are struck by the length to which Florida voters are willing to go to protect manatees," says Kate Stewart of the Washington, D.C.-based polling firm Belden, Russonello & Stewart, which conducted the poll. "The numbers cut across all voters and show boaters and non-boaters alike not just support but strongly support increased protection measures."

The report, Florida Voters Consider Manatee Protection, was commissioned by Environmental Media Services, a nonprofit communications group, and is being released at 10 a.m. EST today.

For full press release and copy of the report, go to http://www.ems.org/manatees/zz.ems.01.03.26promo.html

Environmental Media Services

Valerie Holford or Jennifer La Force, Fenton Communications, 202/822-5200;

Gwyn Hicks or Felipe Albertani, EMS, 202/463-6670

http://www.ems.org/manatees/zz.ems.01.03.26promo.html

**************************************************************************

To Transmit Your News Over E-Wire, visit http://www.ewire.com or

call 1-[REDACTED-PHONE]. E-Wire Is Broadcast To Millions Of Readers Worldwide

**************************************************************************