U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

They want to be prepared for when manatees make their winter return to areas depleted of sea grasses.

The conservation groups say the habitat protections have not been updated since 1976.

The lack of seagrass forage during winter months has triggered an unprecedented die-off of manatees.

The manatees’ plight is straining the aquariums and zoos that have joined to rehabilitate ones that have been rescued.

They want the agency to update and strengthen protections on manatee habitat.

The flower is found only in Florida and Cuba, and only 1,500 are believed to remain in the state.

DeSantis says new legislation is necessary to “give businesses, employees, children and families tools to fight make against ‘woke indoctrination.’”

Both species were targeted under the Trump administration for a status change despite worsening threats.

More than 1,000 manatees have perished this year in Florida.

Manatee rescue and rehabilitation groups don't have enough space to care for the rising number of sea cows that need help. The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service is co-leading a team to coordinate moving manatees from one facility to another, among other responsibilities.

The turtles' population has dwindled due to overharvesting and other factors.

So far this year, 937 manatees have died in Florida, most of them in the Indian River Lagoon. Conservation groups are scrambling to save them during a record die-off.