Florida manatees used to be classified as endangered species, which can get more protection. But, in 2017 they were reclassified as threatened. The new proposed rule said there are many initiatives to manage the species including efforts to improve water quality and restore seagrass.

Federal wildlife officials Monday released a proposal that would continue to classify Florida manatees as a threatened species, after environmentalists argued they should be reclassified as endangered.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is expected to publish a proposed rule detailing the reasons for keeping the classification.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed keeping manatees under a threatened species classification, which has sparked controversy as environmentalists<a class="excerpt-read-more" href=" More