Sea Lion Web Cam • From Water Bears to Whale Sharks…and Everything In Between: Mote’s Special Lecture Series

Mote Farm-Raised Caviar was well received recently during the Palm Beach Food & Wine Fest...

In January 2013, Mote’s regional presence will grow as it opens a new satellite office in Boca Grande to help engage the community and region in tarpon and other marine research undertaken by Mote in Charlotte Harbor and Southwest Florida.

A local bottlenose dolphin was found dead Saturday, Dec. 8, in Venice Inlet and examined by Mote Marine Laboratory scientists, who report that it most likely died from swallowing fishing gear. This case serves as a reminder to keep waterways clear of fishing line and other trash that can harm marine animals.

PHOTOS: Sea Turtles Released, Aiding Research • Vote for Coral Reef Restoration in Envirokidz Contest • Free Mote Science Café: From Dogs to Dogfish • Saturdays With Santa Jaws Through Dec. 15

Three Kemp’s ridleys — the most endangered sea turtle species on Earth — will be returned to the wild Thursday in Pinellas County following rehabilitation by Mote Marine Laboratory. Two of the turtles will be tagged with special tracking devices, and their case histories are contributing to a major research study by Mote and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

Sea lions Stella, Rose and Kitty are feeling right at home in The Aquarium at Mote, where they gave an invitation-only preview today to prepare for their debut in the limited-time exhibit Sea Lions: On the Water’s Edge.

PHOTOS: Sea Lions Meet Community Officials During Ribbon-Cutting at Mote... and much more!