Res 07-86 RESOLUTION NO..7-86
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DELRAY
BEACH, FLORIDA, REQUESTING AFFIRMATIVE AND IMMEDIATE
ACTION BY THE STATE OF FLORIDA TO REDUCE MORTALITY RATES
IN THE WEST INDIAN MANATEE POPULATION AND DIRECTING THE
CITY CLERK TO FORWARD COPIES.
WHEREAS, the West Indian manatee is an endangered species
important to the citizens of the City of Delray Beach, Florida; and,
WHEREAS, this species is a symbol of South Florida waterways;
and,
WHEREAS, existing mortality rates are so large as to pose a
real and substantial threat to the continued existence of this species
in Florida waterways and within the City of Delray Beach, Florida; and,
WHEREAS, a significant 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 BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That the City Council of the City of Delray Beach
requests on behalf of its citizens that the State of Florida take
whatever affirmative and immediate action is deemed necessary to reduce
and eliminate existing and future man-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:
a. Expand slow and idle speed zone areas to include all
areas within which this species occurs.
b. Expand to whatever extent is necessary enforcement of
laws designed to protect the West Indian manatee from
harm.
c. Require licensing and education of all power boat
operators.
d. Require licensing fees of sufficient magnitude to
fund administrative cost to the State and costs of
expanded enforcement requirements.
e. Designate only particular areas of waterway as
greater than idle speed zones.
Section 2. That the City Clerk is hereby directed to forward
copies to the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida.
PASSED AND ADOPTED in regular session on this the llth day
of February , 1986.
ATTEST:
-2- Res. No. 7-86