ABOUT MANATIKI
FOUNDATION
The Manatiki Foundation is dedicated to protecting, preserving, and restoring the wildlife in Port Salerno, the St Lucie River, & the Indian River Lagoon. Our Town that was once a stronghold for fishing and recreation, still harbors many hidden treasures today. The foundation is dedicated to preserving such beauty by funding efforts to preserve, protect and restore local wildlife. From the endangered Eumaeus Atala butterflies that grace the wild Coontie plants, to the gentle giant manatees that frequently visit our manatee pocket. Port Salerno has evolved a lot since the shark fishing industry that it was well known for in the 1930s and 40s; as well as Sailfishing and charters in the 50s, and 60s. With evolution comes new advancements and changes, many Florida residents have watched as the wildlife are destroyed by renovations and construction. The Manatiki Foundation puts forth wholeheartedness efforts to reclaim, maintain, and safeguard
OUR local environment.
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We are 509(a)(2) nonprofit which means we are a public charity. What's the difference between a 509(a)(2) and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit?
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A 509(a)(2) means that our donors can deduct up to 60% on their adjusted gross income (AGI).
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The Manatiki foundation has a group of dedicated volunteers, that are committed to promoting and supporting the Manatiki mission. Manatiki most recently had its volunteers work with The Florida Oceanographic Society at their annual seagrass matting event in July of this year. The purpose of the event was to attach seagrass fragments to burlap sack pieces to then reintroduce the mat squares back into the Indian river lagoon. For more pictures about the event visit our gallery. For more information about seagrass and its benefits you can visit the link https://www.floridaocean.org/. Manatiki still plans to work with more groups such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to run an ‘adopt a manatee program’ where major contributors can adopt local manatees who often visit our office right here in the manatee pocket!
OUR TEAM
Meet our team!
John Canada
President
John Canada is the Manatiki Foundation President and Co-founder. John graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering from Florida Institute of Technology in 1994. Originally from St. Augustine, Florida, he first became environmentally active after participating in a 4-H student summer program at Marineland. John moved with his wife Tracy to Stuart in 1999 to work for OMC and be closer to family. John loves staying close to the water, fishing and enjoying the beauty wild Florida has to offer. He first began his professional career with Sea Ray Sport Yachts in Palm Coast, and after working for many distinguished boat builders over the years has built several successful businesses of his own from the ground up. John provides the business leadership and general management for Manatiki Foundation. John is also the president of Ocean5 Naval Architects, Cathead Marine, Torx Marine and Ocean5 Yacht sales.
Adeline Canada
Vice President
Adeline Canada is the Manatiki Vice President and Co-founder. Adeline Canada graduated with an Associates degree of Arts in Biology in 2021. She was born and raised in South FL. When Adeline isn't at the office she loves exploring local trails, kayaking on the IRL, swimming with local wildlife in the ocean, and writing.
Caresse Chase is the Secretary Officer of the Manatiki Foundation Inc. Originally from New Jersey and graduated from Jersey City State College with a Bachelors in Business Administration in 1993. Caresse married into the military and was stationed in the Lone Star State of Texas for 22 years. Recently in the last 5 years Caresse moved to be closer to family and the beautiful waters of South Florida. Caresse has a passion for fishing with her friends in her free time and is mesmerized by the beautiful coastline. Hence why she has decided to volunteer to be part of such a fantastic organization here at Manatiki Foundation.
Caresse Chase
Secretary