Stakeholder Education About the Designation of Coastal Zones for the Protection of the Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris): The Manatee Awareness and Protection Resource (MAPR) Web Site

In Florida, boaters often have close encounters with Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris), a protected marine mammal. Manatee protection zones are established to regulate boating traffic in coastal areas where manatees may be at risk of injury. Public debate over the demarcation of the zones is acrimonious. The Boating and Waterways Management Program of Florida Sea Grant created the Manatee Awareness and Protection Resource (MAPR) Web site to promote stakeholder education and awareness surrounding the designation of manatee protection zones. The Web site includes an interactive map that allows visitors to visualize some of the factors involved in delineating manatee protection zones.