Question

Manatee mortality rates have been studied extensively to determine the greatest threats to their populations and to help develop protection plans. The table below shows fractions of mortality due to various causes based on data from salvaging manatee carcasses from 2001 to 2009. Based on the table below, what would be the most effective regulations to introduce to protect manatees in this region?
Manatee Mortality Rates by Cause
Cause
Adult Mean % of Mortality Calf Mean % of Mortality
Watercraft 0.54 0.36
Marine debris 0.03 0.02

Regulations to enforce no wake zones for boats
Regulations to prevent excessive runoff
Regulations to penalize littering
Regulations to reduce carbon emi

Answer 1

Looking at the graph and the mortality rates, it's clear that the mean percentage of death in adults in calves are higher when it comes to death by watercraft. Therefore, regulations should be put in place to enforce no wake zones for boats.