Mote Marine Laboratory

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Mote Marine Laboratory (and Aquarium) is a not-for-profit research and educational institution with an aquarium open to the public 365 days a year. Founded by Dr. Eugenie Clark in 1955 in Cape Haze, Florida, the early years of the laboratory specialized in shark research. Since 1978, the laboratory has been based in Sarasota, Florida. In 2006, the laboratory employed more than 250 full time workers, ranging from marine scientists to the caretakers of exhibits at the aquarium on City Island in Sarasota Bay. Mote has extensive volunteer and intern programs in various departments. There is also a summer camp program for youth that teaches them about the ocean.

Mote specializes in marine life research, education, aquaculture and marine mammal and sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation. Mote Marine also has an aquarium, displaying mostly native Floridian marine life from a variety of environments. There is also the body of a giant squid (named "Molly Mollusk") on display, one of the few bodies of giant squids ever found intact. The animal rescue facility specializes in rescuing marine life, mainly whales, sea turtles, and dolphins. Mote's researchers also study broader environmental patterns, including the conditions underlying red tide blooms in Florida's offshore and estuarine waters.

Since 1978 the Laboratory has expanded to include a 10.5-acre campus in Sarasota, with field stations and public exhibits in Key West and field stations in Summerland Key and Charlotte Harbor. Florida's extensive coastline and marine and estuarine environments have enabled Mote scientists to build a platform of marine research conducted in the nearshore environment.