 Many species of plants and animals are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 was created to protect these animals. It is illegal to trade, kill, hunt, collect, harass, harm, pursue, shoot, trap, wound or capture species designated as endangered, or in danger of extinction, such as threatened, rare, and species of concern. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for listing the hundreds of species in decline.
Be aware of the endangered or threatened species found in your riding area that are protected by a "safe haven".
These protect them from human development, and creates an environment where they are allowed to survive and flourish.
Here are just a few endangered animals you might encounter while riding: brown pelican, manatee, southern sea otter, wood, stork, American alligator and whales. |
Special Habitats
- Mangroves are a distinctive type of tree that have adapted to living in or near saltwater. There are four types of Mangrove trees, two of which are threatened with extinction. Many shore birds such as pelicans and roseate spoonbills nest in mangrove forests and islands. Mangroves shelter other marine life, control erosion and filter runoff. They also build up the shoreline and serve as a buffer that protects the land from storms and winds.
- Don't operate in un-marked mangrove channels, you're disturbing mangroves, birds, and other animals who reside in this area.
- Coral is a living organism which provides a safe haven for hundreds of marine creatures. This firm, yet fragile species is vulnerable to the effects of human intrusion. If you are riding near coral, do not use an anchor, and be careful when diving to avoid coming in contact with these delicate organisms.
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Marine Plant Life
- Kelp forests support a lush underwater community teeming with fish, invertebrates, sea urchins and sea otters. Found close to shore, the kelp canopy covers the surface of the water and extends down, sometimes thousands of feet, to the bottom of the ocean floor. In warm months, this seaweed can grow as much as a foot a day.
- Sea grasses are nursery grounds normally found in protected waters called estuaries where fresh water and salt water meet. Most of the world's fish have their beginnings in estuaries and their associated sea grass habitat. Sea grasses are very delicate and their destruction can lead to degradation to the entire marine cycle.
- As a responsible PWC operator, stay away from both of these environmentally sensitive areas.
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