Memorials & Tributes
Honor a special occasion or the memory of a loved one.
Craft beer for a fin-tastic cause
Finhead Lager
Crafted by Big Top Brewing Co. to benefit Mote Marine Laboratory, Finhead Lager features clean, crisp and refreshing flavors with a touch of ocean mist brewed with high-quality ingredients, including corn and saaz hops. It's perfect for a sunny afternoon on the water, whether you’re conducting world-class marine research or simply enjoying the boat life. This beer is also ideal for those days spent lounging on the beach catching some rays. (4.2% ABV).
Big Top Brewing Co. and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, an independent, nonprofit research institution, believe the conservation and sustainable use of our oceans begins with research and education. That is why proceeds from Finhead Lager benefit Mote’s mission of translating and transferring the information and technology produced by its diverse research enterprise to support long-term conservation and sustainable use of our marine resources, and to enhance ocean literacy among the public.
Donate to support Mote's mission
Finhead Lager is now available at Big Top Brewing in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, Florida.
Our mission
Above: Mote scientists restore coral reefs with volunteer partners in the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge.
Each can of Finhead you purchase helps Mote to:
- Rescue thousands of endangered corals from unprecedented water temperatures
- Study wild fisheries and responsible fish restocking techniques
- Breed corals for heat and disease tolerance
- Develop mitigation technologies to reduce Florida red tide impacts
- Travel the world to turn shark research into shark conservation
- And so much more!
It all started with sharks:
Finhead Lager features sharks on its label to honor where Mote began—as a one room shark research and conservation laboratory in a small Florida town in 1955 with the famous founding "Shark Lady," Dr. Eugenie (Genie) Clark. Today, Mote continues to advance shark conservation with leading scientific research. Sharks continue to play an important role in ocean ecosystems by regulating populations of their prey species and serving as indicators of ocean health. However, due to overfishing and environmental impacts, many shark species are threatened or endangered. As the only Center for Shark Research designated by the U.S. Congress., Mote continues to spearhead innovative solutions to save these amazing animals.
Thanks to Genie, and many other scientists who carried our mission forward, Mote is now a global marine science powerhouse with more than 25 diverse marine research programs. Mote is one of the world’s few remaining independent marine research laboratories, and as nnonprofit organization, Mote is funded through federal, state and local grants and through the generosity of individual donors and foundations. Over decades since Mote was created, the world has learned many things about its oceans. One lesson has remained constant: There is still much to discover.
Donate to support Mote's mission
Mote’s vision also includes positively impacting public policy through science-based outreach and education. Showcasing our research is Mote Aquarium, open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 365 days a year. Come by and visit us to learn more!
