The Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism recently recognized several ecotour operators in Sarasota and Manatee counties for their outstanding business practices. This brings the total number of certified operators in the region to six, more than any other area in Florida. The society awarded Around the Bend Nature Tours and Biotica Ecotours with its platinum certification and the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and Save Our Seabirds with its gold certification. The society strives to encourage awareness and stewardship of Florida’s natural resources and heritage. To become certified, members must complete a self-assessment and an interview and receive anonymous evaluations of their tours or programs.