For over 55 years, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium has been an important part of both the scientific community and our community, right here in Sarasota. A leader in marine research, Mote also provides fun, education and environmental awareness in its aquarium, educational activities and events.
Each year, Mote brings lectures, parties and family events to the area. Here's what's in store for the fans of what's down under:
Special Lecture Series
February 28, March 7 and March 14, 2011
The annual Special Lecture Series takes places from 7:30-9:30 p.m. on Monday nights in February and March. Internationally-renowned speakers discuss important and interesting marine topics, such as the world's largest shark and saving the ocean.
The lecture series is held in the Immersion Cinema. Call (941) 388-4441, ext. 691 or e-mail lecture@mote.org for details.
A Nautical Night at the Salvage Yard
March 17, 2011
The Sarasota Architectural Salvage hosts a nautical charity night to benefit Mote's dolphin, whale and sea turtle hospitals. For just $15 a person, indulge in drinks and exotic foods while making a difference. Purchase tickets online at www.sarasotasalvage.com. The event takes place at 1093 Central Ave. from 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Run for the Turtles
April 2, 2011
On your mark, get set, go! It's the 25th Annual Run for the Turtles on Siesta Key Public Beach (948 Beach Road). Choose from a one-mile run or walk for all ages or a 5k run with age categories ranging from 9 and under to 85 and older. You can even organize your own team, whether it's your family, club, school or business and compete for a team trophy. There will be ribbons, prizes, food, drink and entertainment for all participants. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. at the Siesta Key Gazebo, south of the pavilion. Race registration fees through March 19, 2011 are $20 for adults and $10 for children under 10; then $25 and $15 respectively through race day. Register online at www.active.com or click here for all of the details for registering yourself or your team: http://mote.org/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=Run%20for%20the%20Turtles&category=Marine%20Mammal%20and%20Sea%20Turtle%20Research.
All proceeds benefit Mote Marine Laboratory's Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program.
Party on the Pass
April 16, 2011
Celebrate the science of the sea with Mote's annual Party on the Pass from 6 p.m.-midnight on Saturday, April 16, 2011 in the Mote Aquarium courtyard. Come as you are--the party is casual and will offer scrumptious food and drinks, auction and entertainment. Tickets are $75 per person, which includes beer, wine and food stations, courtesy of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals. Party on the Pass proceeds will support Mote's dolphin, whale and sea turtle hospitals. Reservations are required prior to April 11, 2011.
World Ocean Day
June 5, 2011
This family festival attracted over a thousand visitors last year. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Mote Aquarium courtyard becomes a playground of games, crafts and educational activities, all celebrating our world ocean. There will be a dunk tank, face painting and, of course, prizes. The World Ocean Day Family Festival is free with paid admission to Mote Aquarium and free to Mote members. World Ocean Day is recognized by the United Nations as an international observance, and there will be celebrations taking place at aquariums, schools and zoos all over the world. Don't miss the one right here in Sarasota! This year's theme is "1, 2, 3 and the Seas," inspired by Dr. Seuss.
Night of Fish, Fun & Fright
October 21, 2011
Kick off Halloween early and take the kids somewhere safe and fun to go trick-or-treating. From 6:30-9:00 p.m., the family can enjoy underwater pumpkin carving, as well as Mote's "Shipwreck on City Island." It'll be a spooky marine-themed Halloween for all.
For more information on any of the events, call (941) 388-4441, ext. 509 or e-mail stacyalexander@mote.org. You can also visit www.mote.org. Mote is located at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota.
Founded in 1955, Mote Marine Laboratory is dedicated to advancing the science of the sea through the study of marine and estuarine ecosystems, through its public Mote Aquarium and through educational programs for all ages. Mote has seven centers for scientific research focusing on sharks, sea turtles and marine mammals, coral reefs, the study of toxins in the environment and their effect on human health, aquaculture, coastal ecology and fisheries enhancement. Showcasing this research is Mote Aquarium, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 365 days a year. Please visit www.mote.org to learn more.
