PROTECT OUR REEFS
Grants Program
There is tremendous concern for the health of Florida’s coral reefs
throughout their entire range. The scientific community considers coral
reefs around the world to be threatened and those of Florida to be at
great risk. In addition to their environmental and biological
importance, Florida’s reefs contribute significantly to the State’s
economy. In the Florida Keys alone, tourism generates over $1.2
billion annually where the primary attraction are the coral reefs, and
yet funding to help preserve them is extremely limited. In order to
supplement traditional funding sources, Mote Marine Laboratory has been
successful in winning approval of the “Protect Our Reefs”
specialty license plate. Since its launch, the plate has been extremely
well received by the citizens of Florida. A significant proportion, of
the proceeds from the sale of these plates will be available through
Grants to support research, education (and outreach), and conservation
efforts that deal directly with the preservation of Florida’s coral
reefs.
Mote Marine Laboratory has been a leader in marine research since it was founded in 1955. Today, we incorporate public outreach as a key part of our mission. Mote is an independent nonprofit organization and has seven centers for marine research, the public Mote Aquarium and an Education Division specializing in public programs for all ages.
