A Mote of Influence in Everything: One of Florida’s Largest Marine NGO’s

 Mote is a joint aquarium and marine laboratory based in Sarasota, Florida. From the humble beginnings of a one room building in 1955, Mote now consists of over 200 staff members with more than 30 of them being Ph.D scientists. This independent organization is nonprofit and focused on the ideas of sustainable use of oceans and conservation, and in order to do this prioritize research and education. 

One of the most important resources that Mote is able to use for education is its aquarium. Alone, the aquarium itself is impressive with a total of 15 exhibits on both freshwater and saltwater offering a unique look at local and exotic fishes.  I remember visiting back in 2020 and having a great time as I ran around each exhibit enraptured with the variety of organisms on display. 

In addition to the exhibits Mote hosts a multitude of events each month ranging from interactive surveys such as drip net observations, turtle releasing, marine science lessons, and many more. An important aspect of these events is that many of them are available for people of all ages interested in the marine science field, including some specifically targeting younger audiences. These events are relatively affordable, ranging from 10 to 50 dollars depending on the complexity of the event.

Mote is able to host events like this due to their impressive scientific track record along with their passion for marine life. Mote scientists conduct private research all over the globe on all seven continents, with multiple topics being covered such as varying ecologies (Fisheries habitat,  Fisheries, Benthic, Chemical and Physical, etc.), Conservation (sharks, rays, sea turtle), restoration (turtle, coral reef), aquaculture, biomedical research, as well as general monitoring of the conditions of marine and freshwater systems.

Finally, Mote marine laboratory offers a wide array of internships through their website. The website lists options for both graduates and undergraduates with some of the options being paid internships. A specific internship was even created in order to bring underrepresented minorities into the scientific field.

Mote marine laboratories take their mission statements of conservation and education very seriously, and it shows through their actions. I hope to visit again one day and maybe even obtain an internship there, and I urge anyone else interested in marine science to stop by the aquarium as well.