| Sustainable Aquaculture by Mote |
| Combining Innovation and Sustainability to Feed the World and Restore the Environment |
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About Aquaculture at Mote • About Siberian Sturgeon |
 Photo by John Revisky/Eden magazine |
| Protecting Resources Traditional fish farms use water for 5-7 minutes. Mote re-uses water for 5-7 days, protecting a limited and valuable resource. Restoring Ecosystems Species produced at Mote are all regulated species with declining populations. By growing sturgeon and pompano for food production, Mote is able to reduce pressure on wild stocks. By growing snook and redfish for restocking efforts, Mote is helping to restore species to the wild. Mote is also using fish waste and wastewater to grow plants for wetlands restoration projects — the plants, in turn, help eliminate excess nitrogen. Developing New Technology Mote’s aquaculture systems are designed to filter wastes from water more efficiently and are being used across both fresh and saltwater platforms, proving the system for both environmental restoration and food production. Creating New Jobs Now, more than ever before, society is aware of the need to develop innovative technologies that promote natural resource conservation. At the same time, these emerging technologies are providing new business opportunities and ensuring our economic growth into the future. |
| Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) Sturgeon are one of the oldest fish species in the world, evolving more than 250 million years ago. They’re a freshwater fish found in subtropical, temperate and sub-Arctic rivers, lakes and coastlines in North America, Europe and Asia. Historically, sturgeon species have been a most sought-after fish, prized for their precious caviar and delicious filets served to royalty and in the world’s finest restaurants. Unfortunately, their reputation as a delicacy has led to overfishing and a depletion in wild stocks worldwide. More than a decade ago, Mote Marine Laboratory — an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to marine research and conservation — began exploring ways to remove fishing pressures from wild sturgeon stocks by developing innovative aquaculture techniques to produce a superior product in an environmentally responsible fashion. In 2005, Mote was the first aquaculture farm in the U.S. to provide Siberian sturgeon to the marketplace. And in 2006, Mote became the first group to harvest caviar in Florida. Today, Mote produces high-quality sturgeon and caviar served in fine restaurants. Mote Marine Laboratory operates the nation’s largest recirculating research facility for marine and freshwater aquaculture in the United States. Located in Sarasota, Fla., this technology test-bed is a state-of-the-art modern farm focused on developing new fish production techniques 17 miles from any saltwater coastline or large body of fresh water. Mote’s Aquaculture Research Park is demonstrating that unlimited water access is not needed — nor environmentally desirable — for large-scale production of food fish or to grow fish for marine re-stocking efforts. |
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| Combining Quality with Sustainability Quality & Taste Siberian sturgeon caviar produced by Mote Marine Laboratory is sold by some of the most well-respected purveyors in the world and has been featured on menus at New York's Waldorf Astoria and Plaza hotels. Mild and smooth, these small glistening grains with their melt-in-your-mouth silkiness come from Siberian sturgeon that is farm-raised in Florida in an Earth-friendly way. A wonderful discovery, sure to become your velvety favorite. Sustainability Mote caviar and sturgeon meat is produced on a state-of-the-art modern farm that focuses on developing and perfecting our ability to re-use water to grow food fish in order to minimize our environmental footprint. We also follow strict food safety guidelines. Mote sturgeon are grown indoors where all parameters — from diet to water quality — are strictly controlled, allowing us to produce caviar with a consistent flavor and quality. |
| Your purchase of Mote-grown products today helps to support our efforts to develop new aquaculture methods and practices that are safe for the environment and that help us expand food production in the U.S. Thank you for your support! |
| Purchase Mote Caviar and Sturgeon Mote is pleased to work with the following purveyors to get our premium products to market. If you would like to learn more about serving Mote products in your restuarant or becoming a Mote distributor, please click here. Periodically, Mote sells caviar and sturgeon directly to the public for pickup at our City Island campus. To sign up for news of these sales, please click here. Caviar Distributors
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Retail locations for Caviar
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In Southwest Florida
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In California
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The following restaurants and caterers have featured Mote sturgeon filets or caviar (or both). Please check directly with them for current menu options:
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Mote Aquaculture on Gulf Coast Journal |
| Aquaculture stories from Mote Magazine (downloadable PDFs) |
| Reap what you sow Aquaculture done right is a remedy for the world's food supply problem. And just as undeniable is the importance of your support for one very progressive aquaculture program. Please donate to Mote aquaculture programs today.  |
About Us
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.
