Protecting the Threatened Manatee

A few years ago, I heard a report while listening to business radio that brought some encouraging news: the Florida manatee had been removed from the Endangered Species List.

While that's certainly worth celebrating, the story doesn't end there. The manatee was not removed from federal protection altogether—it was reclassified as a threatened species. That's a significant improvement from the early 1970s, when manatee populations had declined dramatically and their future was uncertain.

Today, these gentle giants continue to inhabit Florida's coastal waters, rivers, and estuaries. Although their numbers have improved, protecting their habitat remains an important responsibility.

That's where infrastructure planning can play a role.

At Stateline Pipe & Products, we provide FDOT-approved Manatee Grates designed for drainage pipe installations in areas where manatees are known to travel. These specialized grates help prevent manatees from entering stormwater systems while allowing drainage infrastructure to function effectively.

We understand that project schedules matter, which is why we can often provide shop drawings within 24 hours—sometimes even the same day. Fabrication services and FDOT certifications are also available in a timely manner to help keep projects moving forward.

Many public works departments, road and bridge agencies, and civil engineering firms are still unaware that these products are readily available. If you live or work in a region with an active manatee population, we encourage you to help spread the word.

Protecting the manatee population is a worthwhile effort, and every thoughtful infrastructure decision can make a difference.

~ Wayne Atkinson