Don’t Let the Environmental Protection Agency Abandon Manatees SPEAK OUT!

 

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More Florida manatees have already died this year than in either 2024 or 2023 as the species faces growing threats and possible extinction. But the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is axing programs that stop wastewater and agricultural runoff from entering Florida’s waterways and harmful algal outbreaks that kill off the seagrass manatees depend on for food. Will you tell Congress to intervene and save crucial Environmental Protection Agency programs that protect and save manatees?

I’LL TELL CONGRESS TO SAVE MANATEES

Manatees require large amounts of seagrass daily, and can starve or ingest toxins when pollution causes harmful algal blooms. The Environmental Protection Agency has been providing oversight and enforcement in Florida to reduce water pollution from sources like wastewater, agriculture, and urban runoff. These efforts are critical for protecting manatee habitats, such as the Indian River Lagoon, where toxic pollution has decimated seagrass. Don’t let the Environmental Protection Agency abandon manatees, please speak out today. Unfortunately, manatees are just one of thousands of wildlife species in our country being directly harmed by cuts to or elimination of programs and oversight from the Environmental Protection Agency. In April, more than 60 coal-fired power plants were exempted from rules requiring reductions of harmful pollutants including mercury, arsenic, and benzene—a harsh blow to kingfishers and other sensitive avian species. Foxes, owls and bald eagles across the country could be lost to rodenticide poisoning as programs and measures to protect them from these highly toxic substances are dropped. Ingestion of toxic microplastic threatens hundreds of marine species, including sea turtles, as one of the few highly specialized aquatic research centers faces closure. Hundreds and hundreds of programs and protections—in every state—are on the chopping block. Manatees need clean water, and so do we. Your senators and your member of the U.S. House of Representatives can step up now to make sure the vital programs providing the backbone for protecting wildlife and their habitats are not hollowed out or eliminated. Send a message urging Congress to take action. Thank you for all you do for wildlife and the natural world.

With Appreciation, Diane Pataki Senior Science Advisor National Wildlife Federation Action Fund

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