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.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed to maintain the "threatened" classification for Florida manatees, rejecting calls from environmental groups to reclassify them as "endangered." The agency announced its decision in a proposed rule released Monday,

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