The body of vigilantes of the Natural and Environmental Resources Department (DRNA) initiated an investigation following a video shared on social networks that shows a group of people playing and even going up on a manatee In the Las Marías area, in San Juan.
“There is no space for this type of behavior, of being the same.. In DRNA we will not tolerate this type of behavior, wherever it comes from. The guards are investigating all angles, and are found in communication with the United States Coast Guard, which is also investigating in this matter, ”said Drna’s secretary, Waldemar Quiles Pérezin written statements.
The incident was disseminated, on Monday afternoon, by the Caribbean Manati Conservation Centerentity that warned about the danger of this type of behavior towards the species.
“These actions are the ones that put the species in danger. We want to remember that touching, feeding and even more being on a manati in proximity, is dangerous to the security of one and an illegal act that entails legal consequences.”the organization wrote in its Facebook publication.
“We hope that the agencies (DRNA and Federal Fisheries and Wildlife Service) take action against unfortunate event occurred today in Punta Las Marías,” said the entity.
“Let’s respect nature and act responsibly for the well -being of this species in danger of extinction,” he added.
The incident occurs at a time when drna Wait to prohibit, through an administrative order, the operation of “Jet-Skis” motor in the Salinas Bay, considered the area with the highest concentration of manatees in Puerto Rico And where, at the beginning of August, an adult individual of this species was found dead following the impact of the propeller of an engine vessel.
The death of the adult male was the second registered in the waters of Salinas Because of an impact of boat in less than a month, after, in July, a female was found in the nearby Jobos Bay.
The United States Marine Mammal Protection Law and the Endangered Species Law It establishes that manatees are part of the group of endangered species. According to the DRNA portal, it is estimated that, in Puerto Rico, around 600 to 700 copies of this marine species live.
Anyone who has suspicion or knowledge of some species in danger can call Vigilant Corps at (787) 999-2200, extensions 2910 or 2911. You can also report these situations using the application Dolphin & Whale 911which communicates directly with the marine mammal rescue program.
Similarly, you can communicate with the Manati Conservation Center at (787) 400-2782.