Mote Research handout

Today’s Research for Tomorrow’s Oceans To protect our future, we must ensure the well-being of our oceans — the life support system that provides essential oxygen, WE ARE THE GUARDIANS OF THE SEA

food, medicines and more. With that truth at heart, Mote Marine

Today, Mote’s scientists are working on 136 projects that take them all over the world in pursuit of sciencebased marine conservation programs.

ultimately transform our understanding of the oceans.

The most recent research program established at Mote is the Coral Health & Disease program, headed

by Dr. Erinn Muller.

ways to restore, in our lifetime, dwindling coral reefs — the ocean’s

Laboratory scientists conduct world-class research to enhance and

Mote scientists work in the waters around all seven continents, leading 25 diverse research programs based at Florida campuses from Sarasota to the Keys. They are investigating new cancer- and infection-fighting substances from the sea; finding innovative “rainforests”; elucidating and mitigating the impacts of climate change, ocean acidification and major oil spills; educating the public on conservation techniques and marine science; developing new technology and expanding vital ocean observing efforts; uncovering threats to sharks, sea turtles, marine mammals and other imperiled wildlife; seeking new ways to sustain fisheries while boosting sustainable seafood farming; and much more.

25 RESEARCH PROGRAMS Behavioral Ecology & Physiology Benthic Ecology Chemical Ecology Coral Health & Disease Coral Reef Restoration Coral Reef Science Dolphin Research Ecotoxicology Environmental Health & Monitoring

With more than 35 Ph.D. scientists in its staff of more than 200, Mote has intellectual power comparable to many colleges of marine science, but the Lab stands out as an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit institution. Independence allows Mote to respond quickly to emerging environmental challenges, think outside the box to find innovative solutions and prioritize its research to do maximum good. Only through the generous philanthropy of its supporters is Mote able to maintain this important independence.

The Lab’s guiding “roadmap,” the 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan, emphasizes studying the sea to support conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal biodiversity, healthy habitats and natural resources. It also lays out goals for translating and transferring research to benefit the oceans and human society.

In other words, Mote research aims to make waves.

Environmental Laboratory for Forensics Fisheries Habitat Ecology

$86.8 million

Manatee Research Marine & Fresh Water Aquaculture Research Marine Biomedical Research Marine Immunology Marine Microbiology Marine Stock Enhancement

STATEWIDE

210 TOTAL STAFF

77

Ocean Technology

Shark Biology & Conservation Spotted Eagle Ray Conservation Stranding Investigations

RESEARCH STAFF

36

DOCTORAL LEVEL MAIN CAMPUS

Phytoplankton Ecology

Sensory Biology & Behavior

1955

MOTE STAFF

Ocean Acidification

Sea Turtle Conservation & Research

Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit in

MOTE’S ECONOMIC IMPACT

SARASOTA, FL

MOTE AQUACULTURE PARK SARASOTA, FL

5

CAMPUSES IN FLORIDA

BOCA GRANDE FIELD OFFICE BOCA GRANDE, FL

TROPICAL RESEARCH LAB SUMMERLAND KEY, FL

LIVING REEF EXHIBIT NOAA ECO-DISCOVERY CENTER KEY WEST, FL

Mote shares its discoveries through intellectual property products, with around a dozen patents obtained and several more pending. Mote-patented technologies help detect wastewater contamination, monitor for red tides that can severely affect Florida communities, enable sustainable seafood farming and more. In 2014, the business community implemented Mote’s innovations in a big way: A sustainable foods company licensed the intellectual property developed from Mote research to launch a new ecofriendly, farm-raised caviar business operation. Such successes are critical: Aquaculture supplies more than half the world’s seafood and demand is growing.

Mote research helps fuel the marine-driven “Blue Economy,” particularly in Florida, where ocean-related economic activity contributed $17.5 billion to the state’s gross domestic product as of 2010. The fishing, ecotourism and aquaculture industries, along with rising powers like marine biomedical research, are critical to a healthy economy. Mote has a statewide economic impact of $86.8-million.

The Lab’s most priceless gift is shared knowledge. Mote provides independent, science-based information and expertise for policymakers, resource managers and other decision makers. Mote scientists also exchange knowledge with fishers and others who value marine resources; the Lab conducts inclusive workshops and leads citizen-science projects such as a community-powered effort to restore shellfish in Sarasota Bay.

In addition, Mote actively forges partnerships with science and education institutions around the world to strengthen shared missions. From partnerships with major universities in Florida to international agreements with institutions in Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean region and elsewhere, Mote spearheads and supports unified efforts to tackle global environmental challenges.

Though its efforts reach worldwide, Mote remains a homegrown institution rooted in its Southwest Florida community. When the world-famous “Shark Lady” Dr. Eugenie Clark founded Mote as a one-room lab in 1955, the Vanderbilt family gave generously so that she could pursue her passion for groundbreaking marine research. Later, major benefactor William R. Mote lent the Lab his vital support and family name. Community support has remained strong throughout and continues to be a key enabling factor in Mote’s success.

Today philanthropic giving means more than ever. Mote scientists excel at seeking competitive grants, but research funding from government agencies has greatly diminished — particularly for novel and exploratory research that could lead to transformative solutions.

Your support can make a dramatic difference. Please visit mote.org to learn more and click “Support” to donate. Today’s gifts provide the opportunity for tomorrow.

Cover photo credits: Tarpon photo by Masa Ushioda. Coral fragment photo by Joe Berg/Way Down Video. Tarpon tagging photo by Ross Gallagher.

MOTE MARINE LABORATORY

1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy • Sarasota, FL 34236 • (941) 388 - 4441

MOTE.ORG