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All things Siesta Key. Stories, news, and event information about Sarasota, Florida's beautiful beach.
How Is Mote Marine Aquarium and Lab Beneficial to Sarasota’s Sea-Life?
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is a “must-see” when visiting Siesta Key or Sarasota. With rotating exhibits that allow guests to get up close to their favorite sea creatures and immerse themselves in the wonderful world under the sea, a visit to Mote is also an unbeatable learning experience. However, while the aquarium seems to be here for our enjoyment and to enrich our lives with great knowledge about marine wildlife, Mote has an even bigger purpose that helps the local area. From sea-life hospitals and turtle rescues to education on saving our oceans and donation programs to support research and put knowledge into practice, the local experts here at Best Western Siesta Key are sharing why Mote Marine Aquarium and Laboratory is so important to our area.
Sea Turtle Rehabilitation
Since 1995, over 650 ill and injured sea turtles from the Gulf of Mexico have been rescued and sent to Mote Marine’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital for care and treatment. The facility is one of the few in Florida that can aid sea turtles with fibropapilloma tumors, a disease that is still being studied and researched. Once the sea turtles are back in good health, they are always returned to their natural habitat in hopes that they continue to grow the endangered population. Find out how you can be a part of helping these sea turtles as scientists and researchers here at Mote Marine continue their support and conservation efforts thanks to the Sea Turtle Grants Program.
Sea Life Research
More than 200 passionate employees, including over 30 Ph.D. scientists devote their careers to Mote Marine Aquarium and Laboratory. Every day, world-renowned scientific research occurs at Mote to continue healing our oceans and the marine wildlife that relies on a thriving aquatic environment and ecosystem. Through 20+ diverse research programs, scientists at the aquarium spend their time improving ocean life by studying modern challenges, future ramifications, and most importantly, finding plausible solutions. Transformative research initiatives and programs have been implemented to help support our very own Sarasota Bay, international coral reef ecosystems, Florida waters experiencing red tide, and overall marine conservation.
Marine Education
Education is a large and vital part of the mission at Mote Marine Aquarium and Laboratory. They believe that “the key to long-term success is educating the next generation.” That’s why, at Mote, you will find education programs for young kids, teenagers, college-age students, and adults. No matter where your interest or passion lies, Mote offers virtual learning programs, internships, school and homeschool programs, diving programs, and even speakers and educational events open to the public. The newest addition to Mote is their Science Education Aquarium. Mote SEA is being built with the intention to empower the next generation who will continue researching and protecting our oceans.
How You Can Help Support Our Oceans
From the outside looking in, you may be wondering how Mote Marine Aquarium and Laboratory could use your help, especially if you aren’t a scientist. The truth is, anyone can play an important role by visiting the aquarium, taking part in their education program, becoming a member of Mote, volunteering, adopting an animal, donating, and so much more. Since Mote Marine is an independent, nonprofit marine research institution, they rely on the public for support, much like the ocean relies on us!
While you plan your Sarasota vacation and book your stay with us here at Best Western Siesta Key, make sure you carve out an afternoon to enjoy the aquarium. As you walk from exhibit to exhibit and learn new things about the ocean and marine wildlife, you will be supporting not only Mote Marine Aquarium and Laboratory but life under the sea and the aquatic life in our own backyard.