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Page 5 Attachment B: Supporting Research November 24, 2020 Update 2 — Research Review Phase of IRL Plan medicine. The increasing level of antibiotic resistance bacteria found in these dolphins mirror trends seen in human healthcare, and this study highlights the impact human antibiotic use is having on the aquatic environment. According to statewide manatee surveys conducted by FWC, over 3,000 manatees were observed to be utilizing the Lagoon. Manatee mortality statistics are collected by FWC and have been monitored since 1947 for the County. Mortality rates peaked in 2010, with 55 recorded manatee deaths within the County. Most deaths were caused by cold stress, perinatal factors, or undetermined factors because of high decomposition rates. Recent studies have shown that as manatee populations grow, boat strikes are becoming the leading cause of death around the state. Manatee populations within the County are dependent on a variety of natural and human factors, including location of preferred foraging habitat, adequate water depth, location of deep waters adjacent to feeding areas, freshwater sources, water temperature, and availability of quiet areas. A manatee population study found the most prevalent place for manatees within the County is the St. Sebastian River. As of 2000, the County created a Manatee Protection and Boating Safety Comprehensive Management Plan with revisions occurring in 2002 and 2004. This plan was specified under Policy 1.7 of the 2010 Comprehensive Plan Coastal Management Element. Since its adoption, additional objectives and policies that address the general aspects of manatee protection, boating safety, and marina facility siting have been incorporated. The Community Development Department of the County predominantly uses this plan to review proposals for new or expanded facilities for multi -slip docking in conjunction with FWC guidelines. As Lagoon conditions have changed, manatee listed status has changed, and more data have been collected, it may be beneficial for the County to complete reoccurring updates to its Manatee Protection Plan to reflect the most current information available. The County should also continue to support FWC in their studies of manatee populations and dynamics within the Lagoon. The County should continue to educate boaters and visitors about the importance of manatees within the Lagoon, and should encourage the regulation of designated manatee speed zones for their protection and potential inclusion of new ones as deemed appropriate by FWC. Sea turtles that typically frequent the County consist of loggerheads, leatherbacks, and green sea turtles. The Lagoon provides food and protection for juveniles of these species. The most predominant juvenile species found in the Lagoon are green turtles. Juvenile green sea turtles consume seagrasses and algae, making the Lagoon an ideal feeding area. Sea turtles commonly suffer from tumors known as fibropapillomatosis. These tumors affect a turtle's abilities to swim, which can eventually lead to starvation. Pollution likely worsens the tumor's impacts, with indications that presence and growth of these tumors can be correlated to warm water and poor water quality. Research has found that approximately half the green sea turtles in the Lagoon suffer from these tumors, whereas loggerheads in the Lagoon show a much lower rate. In comparison, studies show approximately 22% of green sea turtles suffer from these tumors statewide. This study also found that while the percentage of juveniles impacted is greater in the Lagoon, the growth rates of these juveniles were still larger than in other comparison areas around southeast Florida. It is believed this is because the Lagoon provides more feeding opportunities and quantities when compared to other areas in Florida. 106