Objective 4.1.6. - Protection of the West Indian Manatee.

Implement protection mechanisms to decrease the number of human-caused manatee deaths and increase manatee awareness among residents and visitors.

Policy 4.1.6.1. Protect the West Indian manatee by requiring all development within its range to adhere to Florida Department of Environmental Protection guidelines for this species.

Implementation Mechanism(s):

(a)

Implementation of the following strategies:

• posting of idle speed zones for all existing and new marina-type uses and multi-family docking facilities.

• Designation of slow speed zones for all access channels to marina-type uses and multi-family docking facilities.

• Posting and maintenance of regulatory signs at marina-type uses and their access channels will be provided, funded, and maintained by the affected marina-type use.

• Location of new or expanded boat ramps, multi-slip docking facilities away from sites of high manatee concentrations, such as those identified by state and federal agencies [see Policy 4.2.1.2].

• Large, eye catching educational displays at every boat ramp and marina to alert boaters to possible presence of manatees and apprise them of boating regulations in the area.

• Permitting density of multi-family docking facilities and single-family docks not to exceed one (1) power boat slip for every one hundred (100) feet of shoreline owned.

Policy 4.1.6.2. Designate all manatee protection areas as slow speed zones.

Implementation Mechanism(s):

(a)

Review of all new and expanded developments where such development provides for water access to ensure that appropriate signage is posted.

(b)

Post appropriate signage at Upper Terra Ceia Bay and in Anna Maria Sound near Perico Island.

(Ord. No. 18-04 , § 8(Exh. F), 8-23-18)