Mote Marine Reaches Milestone with Aquarium Window Placement

Jun 05, 2023

On Tuesday, July 25, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium announced a milestone advancement in the construction of its new Science Education Aquarium as Mote staff and a wave of Mote SEA corporate sponsors witnessed a large piece of an acrylic window as it was installed into the new aquarium’s largest exhibit, the Gulf of Mexico habitat.

Anticipated for completion in December of 2024, Mote SEA will be a regional hub bridging the gap between complex marine research, accessible science and technology education for all, and environmental awareness to promote science-based change for a healthier ocean.

“We chose the name Mote Science Education Aquarium, because, above all else, this new facility, much like the current Mote Aquarium, will focus not just on establishing a connection and appreciation for the animals our guests will be able to observe in hopes of encouraging environmental stewardship, but at Mote, we know only through exposure, hands-on experiences, and education can people truly understand the impact of marine science. This is why Mote is embarking on this adventure of creating Mote SEA, a true Science Education Aquarium,” said Dr. Michael Crosby, Mote President and CEO. “Mote SEA will embody our vision of Oceans for All, doubling the number of Mote visitors whose lives are enriched by marine science each year and providing no-cost opportunities for schools to utilize specialized teaching labs to ensure that every child has the opportunity for hands-on marine science and technology experiences.”

The acrylic piece that was installed, which measures 26’ L x 17’ H x 11” W, and weighs 27,900 pounds, will provide guests with an expansive view into the 400,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico habitat, which will feature various coral reef formations, sharks, rays, sea turtles, tarpon, snook, red drum, snapper, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and many other species. It will also open up into a new large multi-purpose room that will host a vast array of educational and community programs.

This highly anticipated exhibit will also house a second large acrylic window, which measures 26’L x 11’ H x 9” H, and weighs 22,200 pounds. This second acrylic piece will provide another vantage point into the world of Mote’s world-class research. As science is always the attraction at Mote Aquarium, guests will be able to look up through the large acrylic window and learn about how Mote researchers are studying shark and ray biology, ecology and conservation.

Renderings of the new Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, slated for opening December 2024.

In addition to the two acrylic panels that will allow guests to view underwater, the top of the Gulf of Mexico exhibit and viewing deck will be located on the second floor. From this space, guests can view the top side of the Gulf of Mexico exhibit and see shark fins break the water's surface from above.

“The ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico, or Mote’s backyard, will always be an important part of Mote’s focus, in addition to its other research sites around the world. Mote was founded by Dr. Eugenie Clark, often called the ‘Shark Lady’ for her revolutionary shark research, so it is a no-brainer that Mote SEA’s Gulf of Mexico habitat offers our guests the ability to get up close to these animals and learn about the importance of shark research and conservation,” said Evan Barniskis, Associate Vice President of Mote Aquarium. “This habitat is going to be absolutely stunning and will span two floors, giving our guests a truly immersive experience.”

The Mote SEA experience will be like no other. Visitors will encounter three floors of animal habitats and educational labs, onsite diving programs, scientific demonstrations, and interactive technology will enrich the visitor experience. Guests will learn about the world-class research being conducted by Mote on a global scale to address the grand challenges the oceans face.

The rebirth of Mote Aquarium as Mote SEA will double the number of visitors to approximately 700,000 people per year and provide informal science education to a larger, more diverse audience, including free access to Mote SEA’s STEM teaching labs for approximately 70,000 students from Sarasota and Manatee County schools. Mote SEA will feature amazing marine animals and scientific displays from oceans around the world with 1 million gallons total of animal habitats.

“We are grateful to all of our supporters who have made today’s milestone possible. Today, we took a giant dive forward toward realizing our goal of improving access to marine science education for diverse learners and providing a one-of-a-kind space for future ocean leaders to discover their passion for science, technology and conservation, all with Mote SEA,” said Michael Moore, Mote SEA Campaign Director.

Learn more about Mote SEA at moteoceansforall.org.

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