Mote sets stage to inform generations about ocean environment, issues

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium will open the new Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA) to the public on Wednesday, October 8.

The 12-acre Mote SEA campus is located at Nathan Benderson Park, a nexus site for Sarasota, Manatee Counties and the entire region; Mote SEA will transform Mote’s ability to provide informal science education and enhanced levels of ocean literacy to much larger and more diverse populations from around the world.

The 146,000-square-foot facility will enable individuals of all ages and backgrounds to engage with the ocean and experience a window into Mote’s globally-significant marine science research and conservation initiatives.

As its name suggests, science is the attraction at Mote SEA. The innovative facility features three state-of-the-art STEM Teaching Labs focused on Biomedical, Microbiology & Immunology; Marine & Coastal Ecology; and Ocean Engineering, AI Technology, Robotics & Sensor Development. These labs will provide hands-on experiential learning to more than 70,000 K–12 students annually from Sarasota and Manatee county schools (as well as those schools in nearby counties), including over 26,000 Title 1 students, completely free of charge. In addition, Mote SEA will include five STEM Workforce Training Labs offering professional experience, alongside Mote scientists, as part of an array of high school, undergraduate and graduate research experiences in: Aquaculture & Fisheries, Conservation, Coral Genetics & Restoration, Artificial Intelligence, and Veterinary Clinic & Diagnostic Research & Practice. The STEM Teaching and Workforce Training Labs include wall-to-wall glass windows, so guests can observe and enjoy scientists and students.

“Mote SEA is much more than just an aquarium; it stands at the intersection of paradigm-changing research, science education, and community engagement,” said Dr. Michael P. Crosby, President & CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. “

To be among the first to experience Mote SEA at an exclusive grand opening event, or to reserve tickets for general admission after opening, visit mote.org/tickets.