Center for Shark Research
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| Shark researchers tag a whale shark off Sarasota, Fla., in the Gulf of Mexico on May 28, 2010. Photo by Kim Hull/Mote Marine Laboratory
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| Director: Dr. Robert E. Hueter |
In 1991, Mote's Center for Shark Research was designated by the U.S. Congress as a national center for shark research. The Center is dedicated to the scientific study of elasmobranchs — sharks and their relatives, the skates and rays. Its research ranges from molecular biology and biomedical studies of sharks in the laboratory to ecological, fisheries and conservation studies of shark populations in the sea. Mote provides critical information on elasmobranchs by combining worldwide field studies with those conducted under controlled conditions in the laboratory. These studies provide crucial knowledge about sharks' biological adaptions, their resource value and the conservation status of numerous species. |
| The Center for Shark Research has three major research programs: |
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In addition to sharing this information with the scientific community, Mote is also dedicated to enhancing public understanding and awareness of these animals and their status in the wild through outreach to policy makers, educational institutions, the media and the general public. |
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| Mote staff tag a great hammerhead during the Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark challenge. Photo by Hayley Rutger/Mote Marine Laboratory.
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| Give our Shark Research More Teeth As we examine the importance of sharks, skates and rays, we can't ignore the importance of your support of our research. The more support have, the more we can do. Please click here to donate today.  |
sharks in the wild, in 2010, Mote joined with other organizations to sponsor the Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge. Mote supported this all-release shark fishing tournament as an alternative to traditional catch and kill shark tournaments.Mote Marine Laboratory has been a leader in marine research since it was founded in 1955. Today, we incorporate public outreach as a key part of our mission. Mote is an independent nonprofit organization and has seven centers for marine research, the public Mote Aquarium and an Education Division specializing in public programs for all ages.
