Whale shark hotspots described with help from citizen scientists

Vital scientific information about whale shark behavior, biology and ecology were released Nov. 29 in the scientific journal BioScience, thanks to a 22-year citizen-science program enabling ecotourists and others around the world to photograph whale sharks for research, and ultimately, conservation.

Read More

Scientists monitor red tide increase off southwest Florida

Researchers are monitoring elevated levels of the naturally occurring Florida red tide algae, Karenia brevis, along southwest Florida. The public can follow online updates from multiple monitoring partners and even report coastal conditions using Mote Marine Laboratory’s new smartphone app.

Read More

Podcast: THANK YOU! Thanksgiving greeting from the ‘Two Sea Fans’ hosts

Happy Thanksgiving from "Two Sea Fans" hosts Joe and Hayley! In this special, short segment, the hosts share what they're thankful for, looking back at a great first year of podcast episodes and looking forward to upcoming discussions. In particular, Hayley and Joe are excited to talk about keeping the oceans trash free, as Mote prepares to host the special exhibit "Sea Debris: Awareness through Art" featuring "Washed Ashore," from Dec. 9-June 15 (https://mote.org/exhibits/details/coming-dec-9-2017-sea-debris-awareness-through-art).

Listen

High schoolers find hidden plastic in southwest Florida waters, fish

High schoolers found tiny bits of plastic in southwest Florida waters and fish — local evidence of a worldwide environmental challenge — during Mote Marine Laboratory’s teaching lab with partners from UF/IFAS* Extension’s Florida Microplastic Awareness Project, Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Sarasota Bay Watch and Palmetto High School on Nov. 15 at Mote’s Sarasota campus.

Read More

Mote to Launch Marine Science Course for Adults

Advancing Mote’s mission to expand marine literacy, a new course for adults will begin in January 2018. Endless Oceans: Marine Science 101 is lifelong learning course offering 10 comprehensive, marine science classes.

Read More

Local J. McLaughlin stores to host Sip & Shop benefiting Mote

Local J. McLaughlin stores and Mote Marine Laboratory invite you to save the ocean in style with a Sip and Shop event on Nov. 24. J. McLaughlin stores in Boca Grande, Sarasota, Longboat Key and Tampa will donate 15 percent of their proceeds on Nov. 24 to support Mote's mission of today’s research for tomorrow’s oceans.

Read More

Podcast: Your digital window to the sea

Does a “virtual field trip” sound fun? Then dive deeper with Mote’s SeaTrek.TV! This digital learning program led by Kasey Gaylord-Opalewski and Jason Robertshaw uses video chat platforms like Skype and Zoom to share marine science with kids and adults around the world. SeaTrek.TV programs have ranged from live-streaming conversations with a shark scientist at sea to studio-based chats with experts on jellyfish, corals and other marine life, along with glimpses into cool behind-the-scenes spaces such as Mote’s collection of dolphin and whale bones. Listen as Kasey and Jason share their SeaTrek smarts with “Two Sea Fans” hosts Hayley and Joe — who have clearly met their match. Learn more at SeaTrek.TV and check out related teacher professional development programs here.

Listen