Red Tide
There are thousands of species of algae in fresh and marine waters; these organisms form the basis of the food web and provide an important source of the oxygen we need to breathe. While most species are harmless to humans and animals,...
Deep Thoughts Blog: Exploring blue holes
Introduction In September 2020, scientists undertook one of their deepest and most challenging missions yet into the Gulf of Mexico’s blue holes—underwater caves, springs and sinkholes being explored for their unique...
Weddings & Proposals
At Mote, your wedding celebration will truly sparkle amid our beautiful waterfront vistas and our vibrant displays of marine life. Dive into the wedding of...
Dr. Jake Lasala
Dr. Lasala has worked with sea turtles for over 16 years. His graduate research focused on identifying robust demographic metrics to complement survey data. Male marine turtles are elusive and much of...
Alexis Krummick
Alexis was an intern in the Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program (STCRP) in 2013, and remained with the program as a staff member until 2016. She then continued sea turtle work at Loggerhead Marinelife Center and Collier...
Anthropogenic Effects on Loggerhead Turtle Nest Success and Predation in the Gulf of Mexico
Predators can easily consume many sea turtle eggs during nesting season. They can reduce the recruitment of hatchlings, ultimately resulting in long-term decreases in breeding populations. Researchers have collected data for decades...
Monitoring population-level foraging distribution of a marine migratory species from land: strengths and weaknesses of the isotopic approach...
Assessing the linkage between breeding and non-breeding areas has important implications for understanding the fundamental biology of and conserving animal species. This is a challenging task for marine species, and in sea turtles...
Mote and partners respond to stranded sperm whale off Venice, await necropsy results to learn more
On March 10, 2024, Mote's Stranding Investigations Research Program responded to a 44-foot, 70,000-pound emaciated live sperm whale discovered...
Sailor Sam Claims Victory at Mote’s Mascot Race!
Mascots of all shapes, sizes, and species raced down Siesta Beach on March 7 to promote Mote Marine Laboratory's upcoming Run for the Turtles. Sarasota High School's Sailor Sam outran eight other mascots: Morris from Great...
Lifelong Learning (Sarasota)
Endless Oceans Curious about our oceans? Interested...
Classroom Outreach Programs (Sarasota)
Mote Educators bring fun, inquiry-based and hands-on learning experiences to your school. Using relevant, real time data and information, we dive into marine science with your students, helping them better understand science concepts...
Mote Science Talks
Guest Speakers from Mote For Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, Lee, Hardee, DeSoto, Pinellas, and Hillsborough counties Bring the wonders of the ocean to your audience with engaging Mote Science Talks....
Melissa Macksey
Melissa was an intern with the Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program (STCRP) for the 2011 sea turtle season. She returned the following year as a night-time tagging intern. She then left to attend graduate school to study...
Animal Patients
We save sea turtles and mammals! Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is dedicated to rescuing sick and injured sea turtles and marine mammals. We provide top-notch diagnostics and care to help these animals recover in Mote’s...
Dr. Catherine Walsh
Dr. Walsh has studied the immune systems of marine vertebrate species, including the cartilaginous fishes (sharks, skates, and rays), marine mammals, and sea turtles, for more than 30 years. Current projects...
Marine Immunology
Research in the Marine Immunology Program focuses on basic and applied research on the health and immune systems of marine vertebrates, including cartilaginous fishes (sharks, skates, and rays), Florida manatees, and sea turtles. Basic...
Mote Science Education Aquarium’s largest exhibit comes to life
On Tuesday, July 25, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium announced a milestone advancement in the construction of its new Science Education Aquarium as Mote staff and a wave of Mote SEA corporate sponsors witnessed a large piece...
Mote Marine Laboratory and The Florida Aquarium collaborate in successful rehabilitation efforts
Mote Marine Laboratory and The Florida Aquarium are thrilled to announce the release of two rescued loggerhead sea turtles nicknamed, "Valerie" and "Mahomes," at Anna Maria Bayfront Park Tuesday morning, May 30. This momentous...
Mote welcomes ‘Voyage to the Deep’ exhibition Feb. 19
The temporary exhibition featured in this story has since concluded. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is proud to announce its newest temporary exhibition, “Voyage to the Deep,” presented by Flying...
Innovative incubator to jumpstart efforts to control harmful algal blooms
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is partnering with the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) in a new $7.5 million grant from NOAA to lead an innovative U.S. Harmful Algal Bloom Control Technologies...
Mote’s partnership with The Haven going strong, thanks to grant from the Community Foundation
Thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is partnering with The Haven, a local nonprofit offering programs and services for children and adults with disabilities. The...
Hawksbill rescued by Mote makes a quick recovery
Hawkeye was released earlier this month after being rescued from the ocean entangled in fishing line. Under the Sunshine Skyway bridge late February was Hawkeye, a hawksbill sea turtle, stuck in line tightly wrapped around its neck...
Mote receives generous holiday donation from Longboat Key Turtle Watch
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium received a generous holiday gift from Longboat Key Turtle Watch. The donation of close to $10,000 will be used to support a number of Mote programs related to helping local sea turtles, including...
Mote releases loggerhead patient Rosemary from hospital after rehab
On the last day of November, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium sent off our loggerhead patient Rosemary. Rosemary was found stranded on the beach near Manasota Key Road in Englewood on October 29, 2021. Examination showed that...
Take action to help marine life: Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s Stranding Investigation Program responds to calls of “stranded” (i.e., injured or deceased) sea turtles, manatees, dolphins and whales in Sarasota and Manatee county areas. We are experiencing...
Florida Red Tide FAQs
How can I find out what current red tide conditions are? Mote’s Beach Conditions Reporting System provides shoreline observations as often as twice daily: visitbeaches.org/map ...
Federal grant to help Mote, partners continue to restore and save Florida’s Coral Reef
Coral Restoration Project at Eastern Dry Rocks Awarded $5 Million Grant The project will strengthen coastal resilience, revitalize critical fish and wildlife habitat, and engage the community as part of NOAA’s Mission:...
NEW hotline number for Stranding Investigations at Mote
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium announces a NEW 24/7 hotline number for reporting distressed, injured or deceased sea turtles, manatees, dolphins or whales in the Sarasota/Manatee region. The new number, 888-345-2335,...
It’s electric! Recharge your car during a visit to Mote Aquarium
Mote Aquarium’s electric vehicle charging stations are part of FPL’s EV charging initiative – FPL EVolution – to accelerate the electrification of transportation in Florida and reduce carbon emissions. Celebrate