Mote Marine Laboratory

Dr. Michael P. Crosby officially assumed the leadership of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in May following the nonprofit organization’s annual Board meeting. He took on the role of President and CEO following the retirement of Dr. Kumar Mahadevan, whose new position is President Emeritus as he continues to be an advocate and ambassador of the organization, assisting in promoting and developing support for Mote’s world-class research and education programs. Dr. Mahadevan led the organization for 27 years.

As new President and CEO, Dr. Crosby oversees the Lab’s groundbreaking research programs that take place in Southwest Florida and around the world, along with the organization’s efforts to educate and inform the public and policy makers about the marine environment.

Dr. Crosby was recently interviewed by Morning Edition host John Davis of WGCU Public Media (90.1 FM) and had the opportunity to discuss Mote's future directions and goals.

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Scientists at Mote Marine Laboratory have been performing world-class marine research studies since the Lab was created and operated in one room with one boat in 1955. Today, the Lab’s main Sarasota campus sits on 10.5-acres on City Island and includes the popular Aquarium at Mote Marine Laboratory, which is one of the most-visited attractions in Southwest Florida. The Lab’s annual operating budget is nearly $20 million and there are 192 staff members, including 31 Ph.D.-level scientists who are leaders in their fields. The Lab’s estimated economic impact to the community is in excess of $70 million.

Mote also has six additional campuses including a 200-acre Aquaculture Park in eastern Sarasota County, a research field station on Pine Island in Charlotte Harbor, satellite offices in Punta Gorda and Boca Grande, a Tropical Research Laboratory on Summerland Key in the Florida Keys, and a second public outreach exhibit dedicated to coral reefs in the Eco-Discovery Center in Key West.

“Most marine labs around the world are owned by government and universities, and few are independent like Mote — able to respond to emerging needs in the marine environment," Dr. Crosby said. "Each of our scientists, educators and Aquarists are superstars in their own right.  We must empower each of them to make the most of their skills and abilities. Mote is embedded in our community, and our staff and volunteers go above and beyond. Mote is indeed a rare gem. I’m confident that with the continued counsel and engagement of the Board and the continued support of the community, Mote’s best days are truly to come.”