In honor of Memorial Day, Mote Marine Laboratory's research and administration offices will be closed Monday, May 27. The Aquarium at Mote is open 365 days per year, including Memorial Day and all other holidays, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway in Sarasota.

Mote Marine Laboratory has received a $150,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to establish the first center for electronic monitoring of commercial fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico — a first step toward gathering more scientifically sound data to inform fisheries management Gulf-wide.

New President Takes Helm at Mote • World Oceans Day June 8 • Mote Honored by The Patterson Foundation for EdExploreSRQ Program • Be Vigilant for Marine Life During Boating Season

Dr. Michael P. Crosby officially assumed the leadership of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium today, May 16, 2013. He is taking the role of President and CEO following the retirement of Dr. Kumar Mahadevan, whose new position will be President Emeritus as he continues to be an advocate and ambassador of the organization.

International scientists, fisheries representatives and nearly 100 members of the local community gathered Wednesday at Mote Marine Laboratory for a public forum focused on how communities around the world are making science-based conservation happen — and their discussion brought a new notion to town: “Sato-Umi.”

Mote Marine Laboratory was declared Cultural Organization of the Year today, May 10, by The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce during the 23rd annual Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards, which drew 500 business and community leaders to celebrate small business and honor winners in seven categories.

Other good news this week: A Mote volunteer was honored with a National Tourism Week Award; Mote released a sea turtle and thanked supporters from Wells Fargo; Mote's Mother's Day special is right around the corner.

Sarasota Bay will take the international spotlight during a May 8 public forum led by Japanese researchers and scientists at Mote Marine Laboratory, who will discuss how local research and restoration efforts in the Bay are part of a global study on science and society.