Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Critical Habitat Designation for Florida Manatee and Proposed Critical Habitat Designation for Antillean Manatee

Attached please find Defenders of Wildlife, the Center for Biological Diversity, and Save the Manatee Club's request for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to extend the public comment period for the proposed revisions to the critical habitat designation for the Florida and Antillean manatees ("Revised Designation") by 60 days to January 24, 2025. While we remain committed to ensuring that the Revised Designation is promptly completed, additional time will be crucial to providing well-informed public comments given the significant changes present in the Revised Designation, the important interests it implicates, and the challenges of meaningfully engaging in the public comment process in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton—including interruptions in electric and internet service, evacuation orders, and other storm-related disruptions. Thank you for your time and consideration, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.