Manatee Protection Act of 2025

This proposal would put the West Indian manatee on the federal endangered species list. That means the manatee would get the full set of protections that come with being an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. The Department of the Interior would be required to add the manatee to the official endangered list and treat it as endangered under the law .

Key points

• Who is affected: West Indian manatees, and the agencies that manage wildlife and habitats.
• What changes: The manatee must be listed as endangered and receive the protections given to endangered species .
• When: Takes effect once enacted, by requiring the Interior Department to include the manatee on the endangered list.