Pelagic Ecosystem Research Consortium (PERC)
PERC is dedicated to improving stock assessment, management and sustainability of highly migratory fishes in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34236
Ph: (941) 388-4441
Hours: 10AM - 5PM
A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
The Florida Red Tide Mitigation & Technology Development Initiative is a partnership between Mote Marine Laboratory (Mote) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) that establishes an independent and coordinated effort among public and private research entities to develop prevention, control and mitigation technologies and approaches that will decrease the impacts of red tide on the environment, economy and quality of life in Florida.
Red tides are harmful algal blooms caused by higher-than-normal concentrations of Karenia brevis (microscopic algae native to the Gulf of Mexico). Red tides produce toxins that can cause widespread mortality of marine fishes and other wildlife, and those toxins can enter the air and cause respiratory irritation in people on shore. Red tides can significantly affect quality of life in coastal communities and drain millions of dollars from economies that rely upon ecotourism, fishing and other ecosystem services.
Floridians have rightfully demanded solutions to address red tide, and in June 2019, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law 379.2273 Florida Statutes to establish and support the Florida Red Tide Mitigation & Technology Development Initiative as partnership between Mote—a 64-year leader of independent, entrepreneurial and nonprofit marine research with decades of red tide science—and FWC's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the primary state-government entity focused on red tide. The bill provides a $3-million appropriation from the General Revenue Fund each year for six years ($18-million total), and FWC will award funds to Mote to achieve the goals of the Initiative.
Building upon the ongoing and highly productive FWC-Mote cooperative red tide research and monitoring program, this new applied science Initiative strategically leverages state appropriations with Mote’s private and federal funding in order to:
Throughout the month of March, Mote Aquarium experiences high daily visitation volume with many timed ticketed entry slots selling out. Guests are highly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance in order to guarantee entry.
Mote Aquarium is open seven days a week at our normal hours, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. We hope to SEA you soon!