Saving our oceans begins with saving lives. We rescue, rehabilitate and release sea turtles and marine mammals who have been struck by boats, entangled in fishing line, poisoned by red tide and more. Our mission: Help each animal heal, return to the ocean and continue playing a vital role in its population. When animals are found deceased, we strive to learn what happened and apply our knowledge to improve conservation of the species.
We also help ocean animals by restoring their homes—especially vital coral reefs that have been decimated by disease, climate change, pollution and other threats.
Our work couldn’t matter more: The animals in our care are federally endangered, threatened or otherwise vulnerable, and most arrive in critical condition. Each life we save and each peer-reviewed marine science study we publish means new hope for the ocean’s most vulnerable.
If you find a stranded marine animal (dead or alive) within coastal Southwest Florida, please call Mote’s 24-hour hotline. We’re here to help, day or night.
