Mote Science Education Aquarium: Sailing Ahead

By Sue Cullen

“We are grateful and pleased that the Sarasota County Commissioners have again voiced unanimous support for us to secure land in Nathan Benderson Park for Mote’s new Science Education Aquarium and for working toward providing financial support for the construction of this incredible asset for our community, region and state,” said Mote President and CEO Dr. Michael P. Crosby in a statement. “The Commissioners have taken a positive step forward to realize a shared vision of Oceans for All that will provide innovative science education experiences at no cost to our K through 12 schools, workforce development opportunities for the next generation, and enhanced levels of ocean literacy, as well as bringing more visitors and visibility for Sarasota County and southwest Florida.”

Amanda Hodo, an aquarist at Mote

In October, an announcement was made that Sarasota County and Mote are working on an agreement that would increase the site of the aquarium to about 27 acres. Particulars regarding the requested investment of Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax funds for construction of Mote SEA also must be addressed. Raising public funds is one aspect of the Oceans for All campaign, as is securing private support with individual, family and foundation donors and corporate partnerships.

Mote launched the campaign in February with commitments for 20 percent of the $130 million already secured and has since hired Michael E. Moore, a fundraising professional with more than 30 years experience, to direct the campaign, Crosby said. In addition, the first 100 donors who give or pledge $250,000 or more toward the construction will become part of a new group, the SEA Explorers.

Construction of the new aquarium and eventual expansion of research labs and facilities on City Island will have short-term and longer-term tangible impacts on the region economically. Mote SEA is expected to double the number of visitors the current Aquarium draws each year to an estimated 700,000 based on feasibility studies. Its ongoing annual economic impact is expected to be nearly $28 million. It also will support more than 260 direct and indirect jobs. Mote SEA’s construction–which currently is targeted to begin in 2019–is expected to bring about $280 million to the local economy. The project’s current completion is anticipated in 2021, assuming the required approvals and funding are secured.

Less quantifiable, perhaps–sans a market research study–is the impact of Mote SEA on the region’s cachet and reputation as a desirable destination for retirees and vacationers. However, an imposing four-story structure that looks somewhat like a docked cruise ship visible to I-75 traffic should inspire curiosity at a minimum. Considering that an average of 60,000 vehicles drive past the nearby University Parkway interchange north- and southbound daily, that would place about 43 million eyes on Mote SEA annually.

The building will be eye-catching even at night with video and still images projected across its white exterior. Visitors can have a more hands-on experience than traditionally anticipated at the aquarium and there also will be plenty of exhibit space at approximately 110,000 square feet and 1 million gallons of exhibit water. Interactive technology and teaching labs will heighten the experience along with informal science education to inspire curiosity about, and respect for, the oceans’ vital role in the welfare of the planet and its inhabitants. Visitors also can participate in onsite diving programs. Planning for all that is currently underway with two committees at Mote working on the transition and space planning for the new aquarium. That includes determining where exhibits will be placed based on the needs of the animals. Otters, for instance, need sunlight and likely will bunk on the top floor beneath the skylights.

Exhibits featuring sea life, coral reefs and ecosystems from across the globe are planned with more than 100 species including fan favorites like seahorses, manatees, sharks, sea turtles and jellyfish. Also included in the new Mote SEA are plans to attract additional visitors through the area by providing a unique venue for corporate meetings and conferences as well as offering space for the hosting of major events. This includes inside venues with a backdrop of underwater marine exhibits and on the grounds surrounding Mote SEA with views of the picturesque Benderson Park lake.

Support of marine science education is one of Mote’s key initiatives both informally for visitors and with STEM-focused opportunities for K-12 students from across the region at no charge. Current education programs serve about 30,000 participants of all ages and with Mote SEA, plans are to double participation. Specialized teaching labs are incorporated into Mote SEA to provide hands-on marine science and augmented reality technology experiences. Mote particularly plans to focus on increasing participation of underserved and under-represented populations and at-risk youth. This is a mission that has been undertaken enthusiastically by one young African American Mote Aquarium biologist who recently won a national contest for a video detailing her mission to touch the lives of children in underserved communities.

Biologist Amanda Hodo’s video earned top honors from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which sponsored the contest and also is the accrediting body for 232 zoos and aquariums including Mote. In the video, Hodo describes her role in conservation through breeding fish and helping seahorse species among other responsibilities. She also discusses why she serves as a mentor in Mote’s SciGirls program that helps girls explore STEM careers. “My goal is to help inspire love of the ocean and science in kids in underserved communities because if you see it, then you feel more like you can achieve it,” Hodo said.

With the aquarium’s move, Mote will have six campuses including its headquarters, which will remain on City Island, and field stations in eastern Sarasota County and the Florida Keys. Pursuing more than 20 research programs, Mote’s scientists are running out of space. With oceans and marine species under increasing stress, this research is aimed at conservation and sustainable use of marine resources and has significant implications for the area’s emerging Blue Economy.

Mote, as an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit research organization, envisions using space on City Island to foster greater cooperative research internationally to unravel complex issues like declining coral reefs, sustainable aquaculture, red tide, conservation of sharks, rays and sea turtles, marine immunology, fisheries enhancement, ocean acidification and more. The vision as described by Dr. Crosby is to create a Silicon Valley of marine science in this region.

The end goal is to transform City Island into an International Marine Science, Technology and Innovation Park, but that can’t happen without Mote SEA.  “Mote SEA will significantly enhance what brings people to Sarasota and Southwest Florida, an incredible natural environment, fishing, water sports, and renowned cultural attractions,” Crosby said. “Mote SEA will connect these important treasures as a gateway to the sea as well as a place to celebrate the importance of marine science and conservation. The iconic and impactful Mote SEA will help grow our tourism market and entice visitors to return again and again.”