Nov. 15 marks the official start of manatee season. It’s the time of year when the water starts to cool off and the manatees start to congregate. It’s also a time of big business in areas like Crystal River, where manatee tours have become an eco-tourism favorite. “It's going to be a huge, huge help,” Vickie Hall with River Ventures in Crystal River said. Hall says her business and many others took a beating from recent hurricanes and is glad to welcome manatee season along with the tourists who flock here each year to see the sea cows congregate. “There's probably 80 or so tour companies just in Crystal River alone,” Hall said. “Not to mention the ones in Homosassa. And it's huge for this industry.” The sea cows are cash cows in areas like Crystal River since it’s one of the few places in the world where humans can interact with manatees. It's estimated to have a $20-$30 million impact on the local economy each year. MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/life/animals/manatee-season-tours-swim-manatees/67-c4872a22-ac56-494e-8986-b1f914b1ad36