Weekly News Digest from Mote
| Friday's News@Mote: 3-8-13 | | |
| Published Friday, March 8, 2013 |
by Hayley Rutger
|
| Anglers are Top Tarpon DNA Collectors |
Four Florida anglers were recently recognized for their tarpon DNA-collecting prowess during the annual Florida Guides Association meeting in Tampa.
The four collected tarpon DNA samples as part of the ongoing Tarpon Genetic Recapture Study, a partnership between Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Mote Marine Laboratory, in conjunction with anglers statewide. The Study uses DNA fingerprinting techniques as a way to track individual tarpon through capture events so that fishery managers can assess and better understand tarpon stocks and movement patterns.
Through the program, which has been in place since 2005, volunteer tarpon anglers have submitted more than 16,500 of the nearly 18,000 samples inventoried in the study’s database. In 2012, anglers submitted 4,726 samples — exceeding the project’s annual goal of 4,000.
Recipients of The 2012 Florida Guides Association/FWC “Spirit of Tarpon DNA Sampling Challenge” awards were:
- Grand Champion — John Mallory, of Merritt Island (975 DNA samples)
- Gulf Coast Champion — Capt. Robert McCue, of Ellenton (216 samples)
- Florida Keys Champion — Capt. Paul D’Antoni, of Key West (118 samples)
- Atlantic Coast Champion — Capt. Carl Ball, of Fort Lauderdale (94 samples)
The winners received framed certificates signed by Capt. Pat Kelly, president of the Florida Guides Association, and Kenneth W. Wright, chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, along with a tackle bag of goodies donated by O'Keefs Reef, Castalia Outdoor Products, DOA Lures, StickIt Anchor Pins, High Roller Lures, Guideline EyeGear and TackleWebs.
Interestingly, one recreational angler also turned the awards around. Martin Gutfreund, of Bradenton, came up with the idea of giving a trophy thanking the Genetic Recapture Study staff and volunteers for their efforts to help protect and conserve tarpon. His handwritten note that accompanied the trophy he mailed to FWC’s St. Petersburg office stated: “Tarpon Genetics Team: You all came in first place in 2012 for the great work you did on the tarpon project.”
“I think the work the team is doing is just spectacular and, for tarpon fishermen, this is something to really get behind,” Gutfreund said.
Mote and FWC thank the hundreds of anglers who contribute to the success of this valuable research each year. And we thank Martin for the pat on the back, too! |
|
| Upcoming Mote Events |
Monday, March 11, Sarasota
The Final Lecture in Mote’s Annual Special Lecture Series: “Conservation of Marine Mammals: What It Is and What It Isn't. A Case Study for Manatees and Dugongs”
Dr. John Reynolds, Director of the International Consortium for Marine Conservation and Manager of Mote’s Manatee Research Program will speak about the conservation of manatees and related species called dugongs, including a pragmatic approach for successfully conserving wildlife and natural environments. He’ll reveal why successful conservation must involve disciplines other than just the natural sciences in order to have a greater impact on the future of our world. Dr. Reynolds is immediate past Chairman of the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission, an appointment he held during four presidential administrations. Mote would like to thank Bob and Jill Williams for their support of the Special Lecture Series.
- When: 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 11
- Where: Mote’s Immersion Cinema (doors open at 7 p.m.)
- Tickets: On sale now at mote.org/speciallecture
- Price: $12 for Mote Members. $15 for non-Members. Students, teachers and volunteers can purchase tickets at the Member rate with a discount code by contacting lecture@mote.org or calling 941-388-4441, ext. 348.
- Note: A small number of tickets may be available at the door on the evening of the lecture but are not guaranteed. To guarantee your seat, please purchase tickets in advance. Seating is first-come, first-served.
|
Thursday, March 14, Punta Gorda
Mote’s Science Cafés in Charlotte Harbor brings together marine scientists and local audiences for a discussion about current Mote research and how it relates to the community. The next Science Café, entitled "The Culture of the Silver King: A discussion about the past, present and future of Charlotte Harbor's tarpon fishery,” will be led by Dr. Aaron Adams, Manager of Mote's Fisheries Habitat Ecology Program, and Sean and Brooks Paxton, the “Shark Brothers” of Think Out Loud Productions. Event is for college age and older. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Guests are encouraged to join in the discussion.
- When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14
- Where: River City Grill: The Tavern, 131 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, 33950. RSVP required: Rachael Kraemer at 941-205-3970, ext. 103, or rkraemer@mote.org
|
|
|
Sunday, March 17, Sarasota
Go Green Day with the Orioles
Mote will host a community booth during the Baltimore Orioles 1:05 p.m. game against the Minnesota Twins during the St. Patrick’s “Go Green” Day, presented by Waste Pro in the environmentally friendly Ed Smith Stadium.
The booth will give Mote an opportunity to tell fans about our dolphin, whale and sea turtle hospitals. Later, the green hats worn by the players during the game will be autographed and sold via online auction to support Mote’s animal hospitals.
|
|
Thursday, March 21, Sarasota
Nautical Night at the Salvage Yard: Sarasota Architectural Salvage (SAS) is hosting “A Nautical Night at the Salvage Yard” to raise funds for the marine animal hospitals at Mote. Enjoy light bites and beverages among nautical architectural salvage.
- When: 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 21
- Where: Sarasota Architectural Salvage, 1093 Central Ave., Sarasota
- Cost: $20 in Advance/ $25 at the Door.
- Tickets: On sale now at www.sarasotasalvage.com
|
|
Tuesday, March 26, Boca Grande
Mote’s Boca Grande Lecture Series: Learn about fish and other marine species of Charlotte Harbor from the researchers who study them during Mote’s Boca Grande Lecture Series. The next lecture features Dr. Robert Hueter, leader of Mote’s Center for Shark Research, the only congressionally designated center for shark research in the U.S. Dr. Hueter’s topic will be “The Shark Initiative: Continuing a Legacy of Boca Grande-Charlotte Harbor Shark Research.”
- When: 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 26
- Where: Boca Grande Community Center, 131 First Street West, Boca Grande
- Cost: Free
|
|
|
Saturday, March 30, Key West
Key West Ocean Festival: Saving the oceans isn’t always fun and games… unless you’re talking about the 4th Annual Florida Keys Ocean Festival, which raises funds for Mote Marine Laboratory’s research and restoration of coral reefs.
- When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 30
- Where: The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, Truman Waterfront Annex, Key West.
- Cost: Admission and parking FREE.
Guests can enjoy food and soft drinks, beer and cocktails, along with face painting and kids’ activities, live music, arts and crafts, educational displays, a silent auction and more. For the first time, the 5K Tuna Trot Race for the Reef is being held in conjunction with the festival. Presented by Key West’s Smokin’ Tuna Saloon, the Tuna Trot begins at 8 a.m. on festival day, March 30, at the Eco-Discovery Center.
Highlights:
- Conservation and environmental exhibits from more than 30 organizations, along with live animals and touch pools
- Special painting demonstrations by world-renowned marine artist Wyland and acclaimed aquatic artist Pasta Pantaleo
- Live music by Howard Livingston and Mile Marker 24, along with other musicians
- A fishing seminar for kids ages 5-11 that features instruction and barge fishing. To participate, youngsters must register online at www.keysoceanfest.org. Free rods and reels await the first 100 registrants.
- Free bucket truck rides up to 80 feet high provided by Keys Energy
- For full details, visit www.keysoceanfest.org
Proceeds support Mote’s coral reef research and restoration. Mote has been working to understand, protect and restore coral reefs in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary for more than a decade. These efforts are showcased at Mote’s “Living Reef” exhibit within the Eco-Discovery Center. |
Participating organizations:
Mote Marine Laboratory, Bahia Honda State Park, Dolphin Research Center, Florida Keys Mosquito Control, Florida Keys National Marine Santuary TEAM OCEAN, Florida Keys SPCA, Florida Keys Wildlife Center, Fort Zachary Taylor, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, History of Diving Museum, Key West Maritime Society, Key West Sail & Power Squardron, Key West Wildlife Center, Fury Conservation Foundation, Bonefish Tarpon Trust, FAVOR, Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge, Florida Keys Wildlife Center, Key West Sail & Power Squadron, Key Deer Refuge, Wyland Foundation, Florida Water & Land Trust, National Weather Service, Pigeon Key Foundation, Reef Relief, Save-A-Turtle, SeaCamp, The Turtle Hospital, U.S. Coast Guard Auxillary, Friends of the Sanctuary and the Eco-Discovery Center. |
Event sponsors include:
Shakespeare Fishing, Brekley Fishing Tackle, Reef Safe Suncare, Fury Water Adventures, Smokin Tuna Saloon, Charlie Mac’s Barbecue, Okuma Fishing, Hyper Tech Films, Key West Harbor Services, Westin Key West Resort, Keys Energy Services, Looe Key Dive Center, Southernmost Hotel Collection, Bombora Vodka, NOAA, U.S. Coast Guard Auxillary, Centennial Bank, Blue Heaven, Little Palm Island/Ocean Key Resort, First State Bank. |
|
Thank You!
Mote would like to thank the members of the community that supported our fundraising efforts during the Giving Challenge. Thanks to your support, we were able to meet — and exceed — our goal of raising $50,000 in order to take advantage of special matching dollars offered by two generous Mote donors.
“We have always felt that our staff, trustees, volunteers, members and supporters have helped to make Mote a family, sharing the successes and overcoming the challenges we face in order to conserve our ocean habitats,” said Mote President Dr. Kumar Mahadevan. “By coming together in such force and so quickly during the Giving Challenge, these donations tell us that the community believes in what Mote stands for.”
While official results are still being tallied, we know that in just 29 short hours, we were able to surpass our goal of raising $50,000 and by the time the Challenge ended at 7 p.m. Wednesday, we had raised more than $60,000! These funds will help support research and education programs at Mote.
"As a donor myself, I think the Giving Challenge is wonderful at getting the community engaged and excited about supporting nonprofit organizations," said Mote’s Chief Advancement Officer, Tom Waters. "And, as someone who represents a recipient organization, the Challenge offers us a new way to tell the community about our programs — everything from cancer research to education programs and even our animal hospitals. We're excited about how successful the Giving Challenge has been for Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium."
- Watch our Giving Challenge Outtake Reel
|
|
Founded in 1955, Mote Marine Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)3 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. 
Mote is dedicated to today’s research for tomorrow’s oceans with an emphasis on world-class research relevant to conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity, healthy habitats and natural resources. Research programs include studies of human cancer using marine models, the effects of man-made and natural toxins on humans and on the environment, the health of wild fisheries, developing sustainable and successful fish restocking techniques and food production technologies and the development of ocean technology to help us better understand the health of the environment. Mote research programs also focus on understanding the population dynamics of manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks and coral reefs and on conservation and restoration efforts related to these species and ecosystems.   Mote’s vision includes positively impacting public policy through science-based outreach and education. Showcasing this research is The Aquarium at Mote, 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. |
Send this page to a friend
Media Contact: Hayley Rutger, Public Relations Coordinator, 941-388-4441, ext. 365, hrutger@mote.org |
|
|
