Boat U.S. - March 2008 - (Page 12)

Manatee Deaths Drop in 2007 Eternal Reefs creates permanent living cremation memorials that preserve, protect and enhance the marine environment. These living legacies will benefit future generations. Contact us now for a free information kit and ask about our discount for BoatU.S. members -Offer expires April 30, 2008- www.eternalreefs.com 1-888-423-7333 A report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shows manatee deaths last year falling well below the average for the previous five years. In 2007, according to the report, the agency recorded 317 deaths from all causes, significantly below the average of 355 deaths annually since 2002. The agency attributed 23%, or 73 manatee deaths, to watercraft strikes, a percentage that has not changed appreciably since 1990 even though recreational boat registrations in Florida have increased 43% during that time. The naturally occurring toxin, red tide, accounted for 52 deaths last year, with the remainder attributed to cold stress, infant mortality and natural causes. The agency does not have firm population figures but its annual surveys have counted increasing numbers of individuals, averaging 2,938 animals over the past five years. Contact us A petition before the commission sincenow fo 2001 seeks classification of ask about our disco and manatees as “threatened,” since its status no longer -Offer expire meets the “endangered” criteria under state law. However, the commission voted in December to delay any decision. In a controversial action, the sevenmember commission, appointed by the Gov. Charlie Crist did, however, approve a new state management plan for the species outlining revised protection measures. The commission had required development of the plan as a condition for reclassification. Even though it did not reclassify the animal, it adopted the plan, by unanimous vote, at the request of the governor. Eternal Reefs crea cremation memorial and enhance the m These living benefit futur www.eternalreefs.co Access Tops Washington Boaters’ Wish List Lest anyone think boaters’ concerns about access are limited to the Atlantic coast, a Washington State survey says that getting to the water is boaters’ top priority there too. The survey, commissioned by the state’s Recreation and Conservation Office, assessed boater needs, from paddlers to cruisers, throughout the state. Topping the “to do” list for state officials is additional or improved launching areas, including more and better parking, plus shoreside facilities like restrooms, tie-up docks and pumpouts. Three-quarters of respondents indicated satisfaction with the location of existing launching areas but about one in four expressed frustration with crowding at these sites. Boaters ranked access as the most important service that the state provides for recreational boaters. 12 BoatU.S. Magazine March 2008 http://www.eternalreefs.com http://www.eternalreefs.com http://www.airdock.com http://www.airdock.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Boat U.S. - March 2008

Boat U.S. - March 2008 Contents Behind the Buoy BoatU.S. Reports Member Forum Cap'n Drew Sailing the Sidewalk Aviators Ahoy Docking and Duffing Waterfront Living: Charleston Waterfront Marketplace Grady Right 2nd Time Around DIY: Keeping the Water Out Hot Tips Boat Smart Ask Chuck Foundation Findings Tangled Line At Your Service Good Foundations BoatU.S. Exchange Behind the Boat Where Our Flags Fly

Boat U.S. - March 2008

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