Sanibel Sea School has been selected as one of the first brick and mortar retailers for MANG, an outdoor apparel company that plants a mangrove tree for every item sold. The nonprofit organization will carry a variety of quality, UV-protective fishing shirts for men, women, and youth in its retail space, Ocean Tribe Outfitters.

Founded by FGCU graduate Kyle Rossin, along with his brother, Keith, MANG is on a mission to help everyone in Florida understand the importance of mangrove ecosystems and how to protect them. “We see each shirt sold as an opportunity to give back to the environment,” said Rossin, who majored in environmental science during college. “Our Buy One, Plant One initiative has made it possible for us to work with both public and private landowners to collect, propagate, and plant mangroves in a variety of coastal areas,” he added. The company also provides educational outreach programs for students, and recently visited Heights Elementary School in Fort Myers.

“When a mutual friend introduced me to Kyle, we started talking and realized how closely our goals are aligned,” said Dr. Bruce Neill, Sanibel Sea School’s executive director. “We are excited for this opportunity to support MANG, and I think our customers will value their products and their business approach.” Both Neill and Rossin envision growing their partnership in the future to include educational initiatives and coastal restoration projects.

Ocean Tribe Outfitters is located at 455 Periwinkle Way, and is open from 9 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday. Sanibel Sea School is a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the ocean’s future, one person at a time. To learn more, visit sanibelseaschool.org. More information about MANG is available at manggear.com.