TALLAHASSEE, Fla., (UPI) -- The marine industry has apparently killed legislation that would have required boats manufactured in Florida after 1998 be equipped with propeller guards. The measure was intended to protect the endangered species. Last year, half of the 60 manatees that collided with boats in Florida waters died from propeller cuts or a combination of cuts and impact trauma.
But opposition from the marine industry killed the proposal, which now calls only for a third-party study to determine whether the guards -- cage-like devices that cover open-bladed propellers -- could effectively protect manatees without hampering the operation of boats on which they are installed.
Industry representatives say the guards can impede boat performance and handling, possibly posing a danger to operators. They also contend there is no evidence the devices can protect manatees or humans at anything other than minimal speeds, and that some models actually can entrap hands or limbs struck by a fast-moving boat.
The watered-down legislation specifies that, if studies demonstrate the guards can be effective, the state would encourage their use on a voluntary basis.