Couldn't agree more. I was there over the winter break and although it was with hindsight a stupid time to go considering how busy it was, I was shocked at the operators approach. I didn't see one operator any better than the others, including those who apparently have a good reputation. I saw repeated harassment of Manatees by 'organised' groups guides and guests. There was little or no inforcement or policing of regulations. On one day in particular Three Sisters was mobbed with over 20 boats moored up and many more trying to get in and yet the tour operators were still bringing more and more snorkelers there and throwing them into the water to join the chaos. On another occasion I was told by a tour operator that they were filming harassment of Manatees and reporting violations, while at the same time their own guide was chasing a Manatee behind their boat for the enjoyment of their tour group. You just can't make stuff like that up.
The ironic thing is that I still ended up having a fantastic time. A cold front came across Florida and for two days there was hardly anyone in the water and literally dozens of Manatees everywhere. The difference in the behaviour of the Manatees on those days was marked. Rather than hiding away in their sanctuary areas they were actively engaging human interaction. Take this guy guy(or gal?) for example.
http://www.viewfromtheblue.me.uk/ManateeTickle.m4v He wouldn't leave me alone or let me film him until he'd had a long hard scratch on his belly. I'm normally totally against touching marine animals in any way shape or form, but he followed me around like a puppy dog for about 30 mins constantly nudging me and pushing me around and whenever I was filming another Manatee he'd try and get between us and grab all the attention. A truly magical experience.
So what should be done? Well I'm not a hypocrite so I don't think a total ban is the answer, but the regulations already in place need to be policed effectively. Tour operators that violate the regulations should be banned. Individuals who violate the regulations need to be heavily fined. In my opinion uncontrolled chaos can't be allowed to continue.
Cheers, Simon