ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Manatees are still on Florida's endangered species list thanks to a decision Wednesday by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
While boating and development interests pushed for the maritime animals to be reclassified as a threatened species, the commission ruled unanimously to delay a final decision on the matter until later this year, the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times reported.
The decision to delay a final vote came after Florida Gov. Charlie Crist called for a postponement on the environmental ruling. Crist cited the more than 400 manatees killed last year, a record for the state.
He also asked that a new way be discovered to help determine the exact number of manatees still alive. Previous estimates by scientists had the animals' population at nearly 3,000.
While the commission remained open to the possibility of revisiting the matter during its next meeting, its executive director said the governor's office would be among the first contacted.
