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Manatee Eco Tourism Association

Encouraging Conservation Through Education

What is META?

META, aka the Manatee Eco Tourism Association, is a 501 (C)(3) charitable non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to educate on, advocate for, and support the survival of the manatee population and the manatee eco tourism industry in Citrus County.

Who are we?

 Our organization is comprised of leaders in the manatee eco tour industry, boat captains, and tour guides who wish to utilize their platform to provide a better understanding of the importance of our industry, our resources, and recreating responsibly among both.

What is our Mission?

 Our mission to promote awareness through education by offering lectures and trainings to members of the tour industry, as well as other educational events, tours, products and services that support and enhance education and awareness of the manatee in Citrus County.

OUR MEMBERS

Why is Manatee Ecotourism important in Crystal River?

  • The manatee tour industry serves as the guardians of Kings Bay. By offering guided tours, we are the eyes and ears on the water who are able to properly communicate the guidelines for manatee viewing to uninformed visitors on our waterways and help to teach all visitors how to recreate responsibly.
  • The Manatee tour industry is the first on scene to notice the signs of injured manatees and report them to officials for monitoring and/or rescuing.
  • Key players in the manatee tour industry are there to assist in manatee rescues and releases in Citrus County.
  • We give back to our community by hosting group clean-ups in our county multiple times a year, and providing volunteer services when possible.

We at META firmly believe that education is the key to conservation.

We strive to educate, protect, and preserve the Florida Manatee.

About Us

The Manatee Ecotourism Association is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization.

All contributions to META are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Federal Tax ID 45-2898689

Get In Touch

    Stay Up To Date

    META meetings are held the second Thursday of every month at the Citrus County Visitors and Convention Bureau at 6pm.

    META Facebook