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Areas of Research

Conservation, Restoration & Monitoring

Today's Research for Tomorrow's Oceans

Sharks, sea turtles, manatees, corals and other iconic species enrich our lives—and Mote is dedicated to saving theirs. With decades of wildlife research and new studies unfolding every day, Mote helps natural resource managers sustain these species for generations to come.

Mote has been studying nesting sea turtles on Longboat Key through Venice, Florida, since 1982. Our findings support conservation of these threatened and endangered reptiles.

Mote is leading international shark conservation efforts by expanding the world’s largest reef shark survey, Global FinPrint.

Mote scientists have documented Florida manatee populations for decades using photo-ID techniques and airplane-based surveys. Our findings help reveal population trends and support conservation.

By the Numbers

4369
sea turtle nests documented in 2024

by Mote scientists and volunteers on beaches from Longboat Key through Venice, Florida—the 4th highest loggerhead nesting season recorded in Mote's 43 years of turtle conservation & research.

4000
small shark fins

from Hong Kong markets had their DNA analyzed for a new peer-reviewed study by Mote and partners. Findings: Small coastal species are much more common in international fin trade than previously thought.

2times
the conservation benefits for reef sharks

can be achieved when marine protected areas are established in nations that have catch limits or gear restrictions for shark fishing, according to Mote co-authors of a new peer-reviewed study.

135
hours of manatee aerial survey time

over 29 flights conducted in Sarasota, Hillsborough, Brevard, Lee and Palm Beach Counties, as well as Chatham County, Georgia.

500
elkhorn coral sites surveyed

In 11 weeks at Buck Island Reef National monument in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, to quantify population health in collaboration with the National Park Service.

5300
sea turtle hatchlings

were collected and released from more than 100 nests in Sarasota County, Florida, for Mote's conservation-focused research this year.

RESEARCH

Local Sea Turtle Nest Counts

The dorsal fin of a white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) offshore of southwest Florida

Centers of Excellence

Each Center of Excellence brings together Mote scientists, often with external partners, to focus on pressing topics in marine science, conservation and education.