Marine Aquaculture Program
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| The United States seafood trade deficit is $10 billion per year - a trade deficit that is second only to that of our oil imports. At the same time, the federal government projects that the demand for seafood in the U.S. will continue to increase over the coming decades. The projected demand will require a six-fold increase in domestic aquaculture production or a commensurate increase in imports over the next 25 years - further increasing this country's seafood trade deficit.
Growing enough food to meet the needs of a population is one foundation of a strong national defense. A safe and stable food supply is paramount to our nation's existence. In this day and age, when the security of our food supply is more at risk than ever before, it is essential that we develop the capability within U.S. borders to meet the growing demand for seafood and that it be meant in a way that does not threaten our environment. Given that our oceans have reached their maximum sustainable yield, this projected demand for seafood can only be satisfied by aquaculture production. At Mote, we believe that recirculating aquaculture systems are one approach to the production of a safe and sustainable seafood supply. |
| Marine Aquaculture Mote's Marine Aquaculture Program is dedicated to developing the technologies needed to raise fish species with a high market value and/or a high recreational demand. This Program investigates a variety of marine finfish and invertebrates including common snook, Florida pompano, red drum, hard corals and long-spined sea urchins. The information we gain through this research will be used to produce fish and invertebrates for restocking depleted species in the wild and to meet our growing national demand for seafood. Mote's Marine Aquaculture Program conducts research at Mote Aquaculture Research Park in eastern Sarasota County and at our Tropical Research Laboratory in the Florida Keys. |
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Reap What You Sow |
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Marine Aquaculture Research Programs:
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Mote Marine Laboratory has been a leader in marine research since it was founded in 1955. Today, we incorporate public outreach as a key part of our mission. Mote is an independent nonprofit organization and has seven centers for marine research, the public Mote Aquarium and an Education Division specializing in public programs for all ages.
