We are a group of Citizen advocates and  Ecotour Operators who are interested in protecting Florida manatees by keeping them wild.  The name of our group is CEOs for Wild Manatees.  It is our core belief that wild animals need to stay wild, and that as in all wildlife viewing, only  passive viewing should be encouraged.  That essentially means look, but don't touch.  We believe that only with strict adherence to the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission's Wildlife Viewing Guidelines , and enforcement of those guidelines, can manatee viewing programs of any kind (swim or no swim) coexist with the need to protect manatees in the long term. We understand the economic importance of the manatee to the local economy and therefore we seek this compromise as a way to allow the industry to continue and sustain itself for the long term.

While touching is not recommended, we understand that it is sometimes inadvertent.  Where we take exception is the more aggressive action of rubbing or petting.  This is clearly not passive and therefore violates both USFWS and FWCC Guidelines. Taken from the basic principles of animal behavior, petting is simply another stimulus to which an animal reacts. It is no different than feeding or watering.  Manatee behavior is learned and is taught from one generation of animals to the next.  One cannot assume that this is not harmful in the long term.  While the act of petting itself is not lethal, it can result in temporal and spatial shifts in manatee habitat usage than can result in mortality.  For example, conditioned manatees may be using the bay more frequently in summer months putting themselves in harms way by feeding and resting in the high speed watersport zone.  Manatee mortality from boat strikes is on the rise in Citrus County.  In 2008 we reached #1 in the State of Florida for watercraft related manatee  mortality on a per capita basis.  Can we be sure that this is not the result of the acclimation process?

We encourage everyone to respect all wildlife and especially our manatees. If you are an ecotour operator, all you have to do is abide by the existing guidelines and not encourage your clients to continue the cycle of habituation.

How do you know if a tour operator is legitimate?  While not a guarantee, one method we have found effective at sorting out misleading advertising is to search the terms manatee belly rub.  If the tour operator is advocating or promising that you can rub its belly, find someone else.  Note:  Please read the actual context on these searches.  There are a few sites listed that caution you not to do it.  Ours included.  Also be aware that sometimes customers will post something inappropriate.  Finally, ask about groups size.  Dive boats carrying over 6 people should be avoided.

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