Overdevelopment, sewage spills, chemical spraying, thermal pollution, and industrial waste are just a few of the issues that Florida's springs, lagoons, canals, and rivers face. If sources of pollution in Florida's waterways are not addressed, there is no future for manatees, wildlife, and tourism in the Sunshine State.

Then Manatee Unusual Mortality Event (UME) is one of the most visible symptoms of poor water quality. Manatees consume nearly 100 pounds of greenery every day and no longer have seagrass resulting in starvation. These gentle animals are at risk of extinction after being removed from the endangered species list in 2017. Polluted water is the primary cause of why Manatees are being affected. Scientists have been warning the government of seagrass decline since the early 90s.

Seagrass supports thousands of marine animals, providing a home and a feeding area for more than 1,000 fish species, turtles, seahorses, and manatees.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) permits sewage discharges into waterways, especially during the rainy season. Florida's laws are written to authorize pollution, and the state continues to install more septic tanks and approve funding for harmful spraying on waterways. Floridians can change that by signing the floridarighttocleanwater.org petition.

By signing this, you take the pledge to: 

• Stop using fertilizers on your lawn and landscapes to reduce and eliminate nutrient pollution. 
• To share what you learn with family and friends. 
• To print, sign, and mail the Right to Clean Water petition on floridarighttofcleanwater.org, which is an effort to make clean water a constitutional right. 
• To use #StoptheSpraying and demand that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife suspend aquatic herbicides. 
• To use #StoptheSource to help bring awareness to pollution as the root cause of why Florida manatees are dying at an alarming rate. 
• Be informed before giving money to organizations. 
• If you see manatees in distress or deceased, call manatee rescue at 1-800-404-3922
• Report Environmental Violations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Environmental Protection Agency
• Share Fight for Zero, a nonprofit grassroots organization in Florida founded by cancer survivors with your friends, family, and neighbors!

Letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): OIG_WEBCOMMENTS@epa.gov

Dear Environmental Protection Agency,

The Indian River Lagoon was designated a National Estuary by the EPA in 1990. This program was supposed to "protect and restore the water quality and ecological integrity of estuaries of national significance." Over three decades later, the Indian River lagoon does not have swimmable or fishable water and cannot sustain life as we watch our manatees perishing daily. What was the point of my tax dollars going into this program when it failed to protect the National Estuary you designated 30 years ago? 

www.fight4zero.org