Message from the President:

​

I've had the opportunity to witness the amazing sea life in our Indian River Lagoon, and fondly remember seagrass beds which are the nurseries for shrimp, seahorses, and juvenile fish that feed the larger game species like snook that make this area so popular.

Curt Whiticar's story of dropping a nickel in the St. Lucie River and still being able to see it 20' down still resonates with me.

Lake Okeechobee discharges certainly changed all that. I’m now ashamed of how we have treated our marine environment. I’m embarrassed that my children and future grandchildren have to see the polluted water the way it is today. It’s time we all do our part to help turn things around to the way they used to be.

There’s already other manatee organizations – Why "Manatiki"?

Our office is on the water in Manatee Pocket. It’s quite sad to see manatees venture up the canal in search of food when there is no seagrass to be found. Currently there are new State & Federal funding opportunities to help the manatee and as a mascot it's easy to rally around, but our focus starts with water quality & the supporting ecosystem.

It's time that we give back and help nature heal into the thriving ecosystem that it should be, it just needs a little help.

Please join us in our mission to Preserve, Protect, & Restore our environment for future generations by volunteering or donating today!

 John Canada   , President & Co-Founder