To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on alternative habitat for certain manatees, and for other purposes.

Daniel Webster

Republican · FL · Representative

Source: Congress.gov · FEC

• Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25)Original· 2026-07-02

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

2026-07-02

Source: Congress.gov

The federal government would study whether manatees could be relocated to new habitats as an alternative to their current homes. This research would help determine if manatees could survive and thrive in different areas, potentially addressing overcrowding or environmental challenges in their existing habitats. The study would affect conservation efforts for these endangered marine mammals and could influence future wildlife management decisions.

AI-assisted summary generated from the official bill metadata (title, subjects, actions) sourced from Congress.gov. Cached and reviewed. Always verify against the official text linked below.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H.R. 9590 Introduced in House (IH)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 9590 To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on alternative habitat for certain manatees, and for other purposes. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 2, 2026 Mr. Webster of Florida (for himself and Ms. Wasserman Schultz) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on alternative habitat for certain manatees, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Study and Assessment of Future Ecosystems for Manatees Act'' or the ``SAFE for Manatees Act''. SEC. 2. STUDY ON ALTERNATIVE HABITAT FOR CERTAIN MANATEES. (a) Study.--The Secretary shall conduct a study on locations that could function as habitat for manatees that are currently utilizing areas in Florida around coastal industrial sites subject to decommissioning actions that will affect water temperatures in such areas. (b) Requirements.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall-- (1) identify and assess locations that could function as habitat for manatees described in subsection (a), including-- (A) locations of natural warm water not currently used by manatees; and (B) locations where artificial warm water refugia for manatees could be constructed; and (2) develop, in consultation with the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, potential methods to create artificial warm water refugia for manatees described in subsection (a) and plans for the construction of such refugia. (c) Coordination.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall coordinate with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (d) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall make publicly available a report on the results of the study conducted under subsection (a). (e) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Manatee.--The term ``manatee'' means a member of the species trichechus manatus. (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. <all>

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