To protect our future, we must ensure the well-being of our

oceans — the life support system that provides essential oxygen,

food, medicines and more. With that truth at heart, Mote Marine

Laboratory scientists conduct world-class research to enhance and

ultimately transform our understanding of the oceans.

Mote scientists work in the waters around all seven continents,

leading 25 diverse research programs based at Florida campuses

from Sarasota to the Keys. They are investigating new cancer- and

infection-fighting substances from the sea; finding innovative

ways to restore, in our lifetime, dwindling coral reefs — the ocean’s

“rainforests”; elucidating and mitigating the impacts of climate

change, ocean acidification and major oil spills; educating the

public on conservation techniques and marine science; developing

new technology and expanding vital ocean observing efforts;

uncovering threats to sharks, sea turtles, marine mammals and

other imperiled wildlife; seeking new ways to sustain fisheries

while boosting sustainable seafood farming; and much more.

Today’s Research for Tomorrow’s Oceans

WE ARE THE GUARDIANS OF THE SEA

Today, Mote’s scientists are working on 136 projects that take them all over the world in pursuit of science-based marine conservation programs.

The most recent research program established at Mote is the Coral Health & Disease program, headed by Dr. Erinn Muller.

With more than 35 Ph.D. scientists in its staff of more than 200, Mote has intellectual power comparable to many colleges of marine science, but the Lab stands out as an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit institution. Independence allows Mote to respond quickly to emerging environmental challenges, think outside the box to find innovative solutions and prioritize its research to do maximum good. Only through the generous philanthropy of its supporters is Mote able to maintain this important independence.

The Lab’s guiding “roadmap,” the 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan, emphasizes studying the sea to support conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal biodiversity, healthy habitats and natural resources. It also lays out goals for translating and transferring research to benefit the oceans and human society.

In other words, Mote research aims to make waves.

Behavioral Ecology & Physiology

Benthic Ecology

Chemical Ecology

Coral Health & Disease

Coral Reef Restoration

Coral Reef Science

Dolphin Research

Ecotoxicology

Environmental Health & Monitoring

Environmental Laboratory for Forensics

Fisheries Habitat Ecology

Manatee Research

Marine & Fresh Water Aquaculture Research

Marine Biomedical Research

Marine Immunology

Marine Microbiology

Marine Stock Enhancement

Ocean Acidification

Ocean Technology

Phytoplankton Ecology

Sea Turtle Conservation & Research

Sensory Biology & Behavior

Shark Biology & Conservation

Spotted Eagle Ray Conservation

Stranding Investigations

25 RESEARCH PROGRAMS

MOTE’S ECONOMIC IMPACT

MOTE STAFF

$86.8 millionSTATEWIDE

77 36 DOCTORALLEVEL

RESEARCH STAFF210 TOTAL STAFF

5 CAMPUSES IN FLORIDA

MAIN CAMPUS SARASOTA, FL

MOTE AQUACULTURE PARK SARASOTA, FL

BOCA GRANDE FIELD OFFICE BOCA GRANDE, FL

TROPICAL RESEARCH LAB SUMMERLAND KEY, FL

LIVING REEF EXHIBIT NOAA ECO-DISCOVERY CENTER KEY WEST, FL

Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit in

1955

In addition, Mote actively forges partnerships with science and education institutions around the world to strengthen shared missions. From partnerships with major universities in Florida to international agreements with institutions in Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean region and elsewhere, Mote spearheads and supports unified efforts to tackle global environmental challenges.

Mote shares its discoveries through intellectual property products, with around a dozen patents obtained and several more pending. Mote-patented technologies help detect wastewater contamination, monitor for red tides that can severely affect Florida communities, enable sustainable seafood farming and more. In 2014, the business community implemented Mote’s innovations in a big way: A sustainable foods company licensed the intellectual property developed from Mote research to launch a new eco-friendly, farm-raised caviar business operation. Such successes are critical: Aquaculture supplies more than half the world’s seafood and demand is growing.

The Lab’s most priceless gift is shared knowledge. Mote provides independent, science-based information and expertise for policymakers, resource managers and other decision makers. Mote scientists also exchange knowledge with fishers and others who value marine resources; the Lab conducts inclusive workshops and leads citizen-science projects such as a community-powered effort to restore shellfish in Sarasota Bay.

Mote research helps fuel the marine-driven “Blue Economy,” particularly in Florida, where ocean-related economic activity contributed $17.5 billion to the state’s gross domestic product as of 2010. The fishing, ecotourism and aquaculture industries, along with rising powers like marine biomedical research, are critical to a healthy economy. Mote has a statewide economic impact of $86.8-million.

MOTE MARINE LABORATORY 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy • Sarasota, FL 34236 • (941) 388 - 4441 MOTE.ORG

Though its efforts reach worldwide, Mote remains a homegrown institution rooted in its Southwest Florida community. When the world-famous “Shark Lady” Dr. Eugenie Clark founded Mote as a one-room lab in 1955, the Vanderbilt family gave generously so that she could pursue her passion for groundbreaking marine research. Later, major benefactor William R. Mote lent the Lab his vital support and family name. Community support has remained strong throughout and continues to be a key enabling factor in Mote’s success.

Today philanthropic giving means more than ever. Mote scientists excel at seeking competitive grants, but research funding from government agencies has greatly diminished — particularly for novel and exploratory research that could lead to transformative solutions.

Your support can make a dramatic difference. Please visit mote.org to learn more and click “Support” to donate. Today’s gifts provide the opportunity for tomorrow.

Cover photo credits: Tarpon photo by Masa Ushioda. Coral fragment photo by Joe Berg/Way Down Video. Tarpon tagging photo by Ross Gallagher.