Fish and Wildlife Service March 16, 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, establish a manatee refuge in Citrus County, Florida, in the waters of Kings Bay, including its tributaries and connected waters. This action is based on our determination that there is substantial evidence showing that certain waterborne activities would result in the taking of one or more manatees and that certain waterborne activities must be restricted to prevent the taking of one or more manatees in Kings Bay. In making this rule final, we considered the biological needs of the manatee, the level of take at these sites, and the likelihood of additional take of manatees due to human activity at these sites. This final rule is modified from the proposed rule to ensure that the provisions do not compromise human safety and to clarify certain aspects. The modifications are not considered significant as they are within the scope of the proposed rule. To avoid creation of a hazard to human safety, watercraft may be operated at 25 miles per hour during daylight hours in a portion of the manatee refuge from June 1 through August 15. The portion of the rule prohibiting use of mooring and floatlines that can entangle manatees has been removed. Language regarding prohibitions on waterborne activities in Three Sisters Spring has been revised to improve clarity. We also announce the availability of a final environmental assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for this action.