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Save the Manatee Trust Fund

The Save the Manatee Trust Fund receives money from sales of manatee license plates and decals, boat registration fees, and voluntary donations.  It is the primary funding source for the State’s manatee-related research and conservation management activities. Revenues for Fiscal Year (FY) 2006–2007 totaled $3,307,331.  Appropriations from the Trust Fund for the same period were $4,096,613.

Appropriations to FWC are provided to three divisions: the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation, and the Division of Law Enforcement.  Research activities, conducted under the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, include Mortality and Rescue, Population Monitoring and Assessment, Behavioral Ecology, Human Dimensions, and Right Whales. Conservation Management activities, conducted under the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation, include Plan and Permit Review, Rule Administration, Habitat Characterization, Assessment, and Protection, Outreach and Information, and Data Distribution and Technical Support.

As required by Florida law, a report is created annually reflecting the expenditures from the Save the Manatee Trust Fund. The report provides brief summaries of accomplishments and descriptions of research projects and conservation and enforcement activities. The most recent report covers the period from July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007, and can be found in the Save the Manatee Trust Fund section.