A sample is attached. Based on the boxes checked, staff is of the opinion that the majority of these form letters were opposed to the rule changes as reflected below in the tabulated summary. Many felt that manatees are no longer endangered and that there were too many manatees in Brevard County already and that the growing number of manatees may be negatively impacting the natural resources. Many of the speakers were concerned with the reduction in available water sport areas and waterfront property values due to either the buffer zones or an increase in existing regulations. The power plants in Brevard County have interfered with the normal migratory behavior of the manatees.
Manatees are at risk of disease, malnutrition and other hazards as a result.
The State is requiring these plants to discharge hot water to the detriment of the environment, manatees and at an increased cost to the customers. It is more risky for manatees to have boats going slow according to a study by Dr. Edmund Gerstein. We should use Dr. Gerstein s work to require manatee-warning devices on all boats, especially barges. Manatees destroy seagrass beds by tearing the vegetation out by the roots. Manatees pollute the water by discharging their wastes.