Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium | Sarasota

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a prominent independent marine research institution and public aquarium located in Sarasota, Florida. It serves as both a leading scientific facility and an engaging educational destination for visitors of all ages. Here's a detailed overview of its history, mission, research, exhibits, and visitor experience:

Overview and Mission

Founded in 1955 by pioneering marine biologist Dr. Eugenie Clark, Mote Marine Laboratory began as the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory and has since grown into a world-class research organization. Its mission centers on advancing the understanding of the ocean through research and education, with a strong focus on marine conservation and sustainable practices.

Mote is an independent, nonprofit organization that conducts cutting-edge research and fosters public understanding of marine environments. It emphasizes real-world application of marine science, including solutions for ecosystem health, sustainable fisheries, coral reef restoration, and the impacts of climate change.

Research Divisions

Mote is unique among aquariums because it is deeply integrated with a large network of marine scientists conducting active research. Some of the key research areas include:

Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation: Includes rehabilitation of injured sea turtles and dolphins.

Shark Biology and Conservation: One of Mote’s original and best-known research areas.

Coral Reef Restoration: Operates coral nurseries and leads restoration efforts in the Florida Keys.

Ocean Acidification and Climate Change: Studies how changing ocean chemistry impacts marine life.

Marine Biomedical Research: Explores potential medical applications of marine organisms, such as cancer treatments.

Aquaculture: Through the Mote Aquaculture Research Park, they develop sustainable farming methods for fish and shellfish to help meet global food demands.

The Aquarium Experience

The Mote Aquarium serves as the public face of the institution and allows visitors to experience marine life firsthand. It houses over 100 species of marine animals, many of which are connected to ongoing research.

Major exhibits include:

Shark Zone: Features large sharks in 135,000-gallon tanks, showcasing species like blacktip, nurse, and sandbar sharks.

Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital: View real rescued turtles undergoing treatment.

Manatee Habitat: Home to Hugh and Buffett, two resident manatees (both passed away in 2023, and the exhibit is transitioning).

Jellyfish, Seahorses, and Octopuses: Educational displays on some of the ocean’s most fascinating invertebrates.

Touch Pools: Interactive areas where visitors can touch stingrays, sea stars, and other marine creatures.

Coral and Reef Exhibits: Highlight the fragility and importance of coral ecosystems.

The aquarium also includes working laboratories, offering a behind-the-scenes look into ongoing scientific studies and marine animal care.

Education and Outreach

Mote offers extensive educational programming:

School Programs and Camps: For students of all ages, including STEM-based curricula.

Public Lectures and Seminars: Scientists present their work in accessible formats.

Citizen Science Projects: Allows the public to contribute to data collection (e.g., spotting dolphins, reporting fish catches).

Virtual Learning: Remote labs, livestreams, and digital programs available worldwide.

Additional Facilities and Locations

Mote Aquaculture Research Park (MAP): Located inland, this facility supports sustainable seafood production and research.

Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration (Summerland Key): Specializes in coral propagation and restoration in the Florida Keys.

City Island Campus: The main facility in Sarasota, including the aquarium, labs, and administrative offices.

Special Tours and Events

Sarasota Bay Explorers: Boat-based eco-tours operated in partnership with Mote, offering marine wildlife viewing and hands-on science education.

Special Exhibits and Seasonal Events: Themed exhibits, night-time aquarium experiences, and family events throughout the year.

Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Offers a deeper look into animal care, research labs, and husbandry practices.

Visiting Information

Address: 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236

Hours: Open daily, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Admission:

Adults (13+): $29

Youth (3–12): $21

Children under 3: Free

Members: Free

Tickets: Recommended to be purchased online in advance

Discounts are available for military personnel, teachers, and members of reciprocal institutions like other AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums.

Importance and Impact

Mote is recognized globally for integrating public engagement with serious science. It was one of the first institutions to tag sharks for research and is among the leaders in coral reef restoration. The organization has helped shape marine policy, trained generations of marine scientists, and actively contributes to global marine conservation efforts.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium stands out not just as an aquarium but as a deeply research-driven institution dedicated to understanding and protecting the marine world.