Florida manatees get less protection, Antillean manatees get more

The US Fish and Wildlife Service wants to split the West Indian manatee into two separate subspecies for protection. The Florida manatee would move from "endangered" to "threatened," while the Antillean manatee would be listed as "endangered."

For decades, all West Indian manatees were treated the same under US law. This change means the Florida manatee will have fewer protections, making it easier for developers and boaters to operate in their habitats. Meanwhile, the Antillean manatee, found outside the US, will gain stronger protections.