Weekly News Digest from Mote

The sea lions are getting their science on! To wrap up the successful exhibit Sea Lions: On The Waters Edge, three Patagonian sea lions will participate in new research that will expand the scientific knowledge of their species during narrated sessions open to visitors in The Aquarium at Mote Marine Laboratory.

The public research sessions will take place at noon and 2 p.m. next Wednesday, April 24, through Monday, April 29, before this limited-time exhibit concludes on May 1. These sessions will be added to the current schedule of educational presentations, which take place at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. daily.

“The sea lions have done an amazing job helping educate our Aquarium visitors about marine mammals, and now they’ll be helping us broaden our understanding of their species,” said Dan Bebak, Vice President for The Aquarium at Mote. “This is a rare opportunity and it highlights what is special about Mote — our world-class research is the driving force behind our public outreach in The Aquarium. I can think of no better way to wrap up our time with Sea Lions: On The Water’s Edge.”

• Read the full story.
  

A sea lion wears a heart-rate monitor in a special harness to take part in research sessions at Sea Lions: On The Water's Edge, a limited-time exhibit running through May 1 in The Aquarium at Mote Marine Laboratory. (Credit Mote Marine Laboratory)

• High-res photos are available for media. Please contact Hayley at 941-374-0081 or hrutger@mote.org

Mote Marine Laboratory's President and CEO, Dr. Kumar Mahadevan, was honored Monday, April 15 by U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, who submitted a speech for the Congressional Record lauding Mahadevan's many contributions to marine science.

"Under his leadership, Mote has grown from a small research facility to an internationally recognized laboratory of marine science and a local treasure teaching children and adults about sea life and conservation," Buchanan said.

Mahadevan, who will become President Emeritus on May 16, has led Mote successfully for 27 years and is the Lab's longest-standing leader. When Mahadevan became CEO of Mote, the Lab’s annual operating budget was about $2 million, and there were 52 staff members. Today, the Lab’s annual operating budget is more than $17 million and there are 192 staff members, including 31 Ph.D.-level scientists who are leaders in their fields.

"I appreciate this opportunity to express my deep appreciation for his outstanding contributions to Mote Marine Laboratory and the field of marine science," Buchanan said.

• Read the full text of the speech.
• Read more about Dr. Mahadevan's successful leadership and his upcoming move to President Emeritus.

Dr. Kumar Mahadevan, President and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory, will become President Emeritus on May 16 and was honored on Monday, April 15 in a speech by U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key.

April 27
Charlotte County YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day^®Aims to Help Kids Exercise Minds and Bodies

Event will include Mote Mobile exhibit from Mote Marine Laboratory

Next Saturday, April 27, the Charlotte County Family YMCA will celebrate YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day^® with a free community event that encourages kids in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and North Port to get moving and learning, and families living healthier. Healthy Kids Day, the Y’s national initiative to improve families’ health and well-being, takes place at 1,900 Ys and kick-starts healthier behaviors now and throughout the summer, a critical out-of-school time for children’s health.

Healthy Kids Day will start at Charlotte Sports Park with games and activities along with Girls On The Run Spring 5K from 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. To register, go to www.active.com (Keyword: 3^rd Girls).

The fun activities continue from 9 a.m. – noon at the Charlotte County Family YMCA’s Dotzler Outdoor Center located at 22801 Bayshore Drive, Port Charlotte. Activities include kayaking, archery, alpine tower climbing, healthy snacks and the Mote Mobile exhibit from Mote Marine Laboratory, which features live marine animals and educational displays.

From 9 a.m. – noon at YMCA’s Franz Ross Park, 19333 Quesada Ave. in Port Charlotte, guests can enjoy Kids Zumbatomic, a bounce house, face painting, Jeff the Juggler and a screech owl exhibit from Peace River Wildlife Center. From noon – 2 p.m. there will be a free swim at the North Port Family YMCA, 5930 Sam Shapos Way, North Port. No registration required – just show up and have fun!

For more information, contact Charlotte County Family YMCA at 941-629-2220 or visit www.charlottecountyymca.com and click on “Healthy Kids Day.”

• April 24:  Sharks: Dr. Robert Hueter, associate vice president for research in Mote’s Directorate of Marine Biology and Conservation
• April 29: Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Strandings, Gretchen Lovewell, manager of Mote's Stranding Investigations Program
  
• May 9: Florida Red Tide: Dr. Barbara Kirkpatrick, manager of Mote’s Environmental Health Program

April 30
Mote's Science Café at the HuB: Corals on Acid
What is ocean acidification? How does it affect coral reefs, ocean animals and humans? What can we do about it? Join Dr. Emily Hall, manager of the Ocean Acidification Program at Mote Marine Laboratory, learn more during Mote’s next Science Café — a free discussion at 5:30 p.m. on April 30, hosted by the HuB at 1680 Fruitville Road in Sarasota.

RSVP required to secure your seat: http://hubsciencecafe.eventbrite.com

Dr. Emily Hall's research focuses on ocean acidification and its effects on corals, coral reef ecosystems and toxicity of harmful algal blooms (HABs) — including Karenia brevis, the organism that causes Florida red tide. Her research is designed to inform forecasting of ocean acidification effects.

Hall also focuses on public outreach and education; she is an adjunct professor at Ringling College of Art and Design, where she teaches "Ecology of Water" and has guided her students at Ringling in producing artworks to raise awareness about Florida red tide and ocean acidification. The students' outreach tools have been displayed at Mote in limited-time exhibits called The Art of Marine Science (the latest installment is on display in The Aquarium at Mote through April 23).