Protect Manatees by Requiring Propeller Guards On All Boats in Florida Waters

Manatee deaths are skyrocketing in Florida.  In 2010, 767 manatees were killed, far surpassing the record of 429 set the prior year.  Florida's waters are becoming more crowded every day, with no relief for our endangered manatee in sight.  The official state mammal deserves protection from the threat of recreational and commercial boat traffic.  There is a simple, rational solution: propeller guards.  Opponents of prop guards claim loss of speed and performance.  These are not valid arguments.  (The MK-48 torpedo, the fastest object in the water, shrouds its multiple propellers to increase speed, minimize turbulence and enhance performance.)  A simple plastic or metal prop collar would save countless manatees (and humans, too!)  Please take action to require mandatory propeller shields to protect these precious creatures.  Please also donate to www.savethemanatee.org