Mote Marine

􀀁 Dwight David, of the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Speakers Bureau, will provide the membership with an overview of this world-renown facility and the many fascinating projects they are undertaking to preserve and understand our environment.

Mote Marine is an independent marine research institution comprised of world-class marine scientists committed to the belief that the conservation and sustainable use of our oceans begins with research and education.

Originally just a single building in a small Florida town, their efforts have expanded dramatically to include: a 10.5-acre Base Campus, Aquarium, and Aquaculture Campus in Sarasota; a Field Station and Public Exhibit in Key West; a Field Station in Summerland Key; and an outreach Office in Boca Grande.

The research conducted at Mote includes studies of human cancer using marine models, the effects of man-made and natural toxins on humans and on the environment, the health of wild fisheries, developing sustainable and successful fish restocking techniques and food production technologies and the development of ocean technology to better understand the health of the environment.

The aquarium also focuses on understanding the population dynamics of manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks and coral reefs to aid conservation and restoration efforts related to these species and ecosystems.