Weekly News Digest from Mote
| 7-8-11: Friday's News@Mote | | |
| Published Friday, July 8, 2011 7:00 am |
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A Successful Local Launch: Sea Turtles Released on Boca Grande after Rehab at Mote
Two
sea turtles were returned to the wild around 9:30 a.m. today, July 8,
after a successful recovery at Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sea Turtle
Rehabilitation Hospital.
The
turtles, released from the Gasparilla Island State Recreation Area,
were juvenile Kemp’s ridley sea turtles that had been treated at Mote
since April.
- Emma
Grace was found April 29 on Longboat Key with fish hooks that had cut
through the turtle’s mouth and flipper. The turtle was very weak when it
arrived at Mote but made a fast recovery — even developing a ravenous
appetite.
- Treble
arrived at Mote April 25. Nicknamed for the treble hooks that were
caught in its mouth, Treble the turtle slowly returned to health during
treatment.
Photos should be available sometime this afternoon. E-mail nadines@mote.org if you'd like images.
The
wounds suffered by both of these turtles — a species listed as
endangered — point out that sometimes human activities can be harmful to
animals. But there are ways that we can help lessen our impacts on the
environment:
- Stow
your trash — especially cigarette butts, plastic and fishing hooks and
line — in a closed container on your boat until you can properly dispose
of it onshore.
- Make sure fishing line is in good condition to help reduce breakage, especially at the terminal tackle
- Using
corrodible fishing hooks — that way, if you accidentally hook a sea
turtle or other unintended species, the hook will rust away.
Another way to help wild sea turtles in Southwest Florida? Make a donation at www.mote.org/hospitalhelp.
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Don’t Forget this Saturday Morning Photo/Video Op
On
Saturday, members of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Bay Guardian
volunteers, along with Around the Bend Nature Tours will plant 2,000
native plants at North Lido Beach Park. Some of the plants being used in
this restoration were grown at Mote Aquaculture Park (MAP), a 200-acre
aquaculture research and development facility located in eastern
Sarasota County.
What: Volunteers to work on Native Planting at North Lido Beach Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Restoration Site
When: 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, July 9, 2011
Where: 154 Emerson Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236. North Lido Beach
Who:
Members of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Bay Guardian Volunteers,
the American Littoral Society, Around the Bend Nature Tours, Mote Marine
Laboratory (Mote Aquaculture Park), Aquatic Plants of Florida, Sarasota
County, Green Seasons Nurseries, Florida Native Plant Society.
Note:
- Dr.
Kevan Main, director of Mote's Center for Aquaculture Research and
Development, will be available at the site for interviews from 9-10:30
a.m.
- Sarasota
Bay Estuary Program media contact onsite will be Sara Kane, public
outreach coordinator, (941) 518-3421, or sara@sarasotabay.org.
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| Summer Specials at Mote Aquarium |
July-September
Chill at Mote with Penguin
Discount
Summer vacation just got cooler, thanks to a special discount celebrating Mote Aquarium’s
upcoming exhibit, Penguin Island. Visitors who wear penguin
paraphernalia such as hats, T-shirts and pins to Mote between July 1 and
Sept. 31 will receive $5 off Aquarium admission.
By
wearing your penguin pride on your sleeve, you can help us get pumped
for Penguin Island, which will bring African black-footed penguins to
Mote from November, 2011 through February, 2012. Learn more about the
exhibit and future penguin events at www.mote.org/penguinisland.
Our
penguin pals can’t wait to hang out in Mote Aquarium, home to stunning
sharks, manatees, dolphins, sea turtles and fish of all shapes and
sizes, along with touch pools and exhibits that bring marine science to
life.
Mote Aquarium is open from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 365 days per year at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway in
Sarasota. Normal admission prices are $17 for adults, $16 for seniors
(65 and over), $12 for kids (ages 4-12) and free for kids ages 3 and
younger. Mote Members always get in free.
Sponsorship
opportunity: Businesses, families and the community can now get
involved by becoming Penguin Partners.
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July-September
Tip
for Servers: Summer Deal at Mote
If you’re a maitre d’ who
loves manatees or a server fond of seahorses, then Mote’s Service
Industry Summer is your made-to-order discount.
From
July 1 - Sept. 30, employees of Southwest Florida hotels, restaurants
and bars who show proof of employment will receive Mote Aquarium
admission for a special rate of $5. Discount applies to you and one
guest.
Mote serves up ocean
wonder for all ages and houses more than 100 marine species, including
some big eaters. Just imagine serving lunch to Mote manatees Hugh and
Buffett — they eat 72 heads of lettuce each day!
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Through
July 31
Science Whizzes: A = Aquarium Ticket
Got
an A in science? You’ve earned a free visit to Mote Aquarium, where
marine science goes way beyond the textbook.
Throughout the month of July, students who bring a final report card with an A in
science will receive free admission to Mote Aquarium with the purchase
of a paid adult’s ticket.
Mote brings ocean wonder
to all ages with fascinating marine species and interactive exhibits
showcasing the research of the adjoining Mote Marine Laboratory. Budding
marine scientists will love Mote’s sharks, dolphins, manatees, sea
turtles, seahorses and other fish of all shapes and sizes. Visitors can
safely touch stingrays, hermit crabs, sea urchins, sea cucumbers and
much more. |
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About
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
Founded in 1955, Mote Marine Laboratory is
an independent nonprofit
(501(c)3) marine research organization based
in Sarasota, Fla., with field
stations in
eastern Sarasota County, Charlotte Harbor
and the Florida
Keys. Donations to Mote are tax
deductible to the fullest extent allowed
by law.  We are dedicated to
advancing the science of the sea through the
study of marine and estuarine ecosystems,
through our public Mote
Aquarium and through an education division
that provides unique
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.
Learn more at www.mote.org.
 
Contact: Mote Marine Laboratory,
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL
34236. (941) 388-4441 or info@mote.org. |
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