MOTE MARINE LAB HITS 30 YEARS IN THE KEYS

countless blood, urine and saliva analyses, and frequent electroencephalograms, pulmonary function tests and blood pressure monitoring in order to gain an unprecedented understanding of the body’s reaction to deep-sea environments.

“It will be the most comprehensive blood test that’s ever been done on a deep-sea diver,” Dituri said. Additionally, he will study new technologies with boundless future potential.

“I’m testing an AI program that will kind of act like a tricorder from ‘Star Trek,’” Dituri said. “It will tell you what’s wrong (with your body), and where (that problem) is located.”

Despite being mostly alone, Dituri is frequently visited by fellow researchers and by students. Student divers will learn and participate in scientific studies with Dituri in the undersea lodge, and many schools have scheduled talks with him via Zoom.

“By the time that the mission ends, we anticipate that Dituri will have interacted with around 2,000 students,” said Kim Gregory, director of development at MarineLab. Dituri sees educational outreach as an important part of his mission.

“I want to make science cool,” Dituri said. “Science is about more than beakers, microscopes and white coats. Students can get out in the field and make a difference.”

Ceo Joins The Honorary Conch Ranks

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

In the Florida Keys, scientists at Mote Marine Laboratory work to advance critical coral reef restoration in hopes of bringing back an ailing reef tract. At local schools, educators with Mote join the classroom to teach students about the research, the accomplishments and the work ahead.

On March 31, Mote’s scientists gathered with local Keys stakeholders to celebrate 30 years of marine research on the island chain. At Ocean Reef Club, scientists discussed some of the ongoing coral restoration research, outplanting efforts off the island’s shores, expansion of nurseries in the Upper Keys and other Mote missions on red tide and seagrass.

Michael Crosby, president and CEO of Mote, credited then-state Rep. Holly Raschein as being the “champion for coral reefs and Mote.” Crosby recalled a time several years ago when he traveled to the state’s capital to discuss the urgency surrounding the reefs and the support needed to begin the restoration.

“She understood they were going to be extinct before our eyes. She understood that we really need to do something different,” Crosby said. “She listened to our proposal for a whole paradigm, science-based restoration and community engagement.”

Since then, the Florida Legislature has regularly contributed around $1 million for Mote’s coral restoration activities, which have resulted in 173,000-plus coral outplants restored to Florida’s coral reef. Raschein, now a Monroe County commissioner, said she couldn’t say no to Crosby’s request for support. She remembers being pulled off the House floor during the throes of discussion and debate to see Crosby.

“I remember like it was yesterday. He’s got his sandals on in the Capitol. I’m sitting there and he’s telling me these things. For me, it was an absolute no-brainer. We were studying it and we knew what the issue was, but what were we going to do about it?” she said. “Mote had the plan.”

Speaking before the audience at Ocean Reef Club, Raschein lauded Crosby’s mission and passion to restore corals and Mote’s growth with new land-based nurseries in Islamorada and Key Largo the last few years. She ended her speech by presenting Crosby the highly-coveted Honorary Conch certificate.

“These certificates are made for people like you,” Raschein said. “It’s truly something I hope you will treasure and know what a treasure you are to us, the Keys and the entire state of Florida.”