Destination Spotlight

Mote Marine Laboratory

Mote Marine Laboratory is an independent, non-profit research organization dedicated to excellence in marine science and education. Operating out of the laboratory is the Center for Shark Research, which conducts research in all aspects of shark biology, including population dynamics, movement patterns, and feeding mechanisms. A few of the lab’s highlights are its 135,000-gallon shark exhibit and its mammal center, which includes two manatees and a sea turtle exhibit. A new exhibit called Penguin Island, which is home to six penguins, opened in November 2011.

Students go behind the scenes at the aquarium and learn about the various careers in marine science. During an interactive lab, students discover the skills and technological tools necessary to conduct oceanic research.

Did you know:

• Many different kinds of sharks can be seen in the shark exhibit, including nurse, tiger, lemon, and blacknose sharks.
• Hugh and Buffett, the two manatees at the aquarium, were born at the Miami Seaquarium. Originally brought to the Mote Marine Laboratory as a temporary exhibit, the two manatees eat about 72 heads of lettuce every day!

Links:

Mote Marine Laboratory