8 4
MOTE MARINE LABORA LABORATORY
SHARK RESEARCH
Robert E. Hueter, Ph.D., Director HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS
1955 The Cape Haze Marine Lab, the precursor to Mote Marine Laboratory, is created by Dr. Eugenie Clark. Studies begin on shark distribution, reproduction and behavior.
1959 Dr. Clark performs the first conditioning experiments with sharks, showing that they can learn.
1967 New studies on shark physiology and anti-shark methods begin under Dr. Perry Gilbert.
1974 Dr. David Baldridge finishes the first computerized statistical analysis of shark attack data in the International Shark Attack File.
1979 Marine biomedical studies focusing on elasmobranch cancer resistance begin.
1988 New environmental and conservation biology studies begin as sharks are threatened by overfishing.
1991 The Center for Shark Research is established and designated by Congress as a national research center.
Making Sense of Sharks Whether it was discovering what sharks do in hurricanes, the secrets they hold for potential cancer therapies or finding out where the sea’s biggest fish gather, 2004 shed new light on these fascinating animals. • By separating the proteins produced
Atlantic stingrays in the St. Johns River.
by shark immune cells, biomedical and
Research is ongoing to understand
immunology research scientists opened
hormonal regulation in this and other
the door to identifying exactly what it is
shark species.
in sharks that can be used to inhibit the
• Construction of a new research seawater
growth of human tumor cells. This is a
system with mega-tanks greatly enhanced
vital step toward discovering potential
the ability of Mote’s shark center scientists
therapeutic applications for the treatment
to conduct experimental studies of sharks
of cancer in humans.
in a laboratory setting. Thanks to the larger
• New data showed that sharks sense
tanks, great hammerhead sharks have
barometric pressure and use this sense as
been kept in excellent health for the first
a survival tactic to flee shallow areas when
time in any research facility.
tropical storms and hurricanes approach.
• The center hosted the Shark Specialist
• Mote shark biologists revealed one of the
Group of IUCN-World Conservation, which
world’s largest gatherings of whale sharks,
develops the world’s most comprehensive
which feed by the hundreds off Mexico’s
inventory of the global status of plant
Yucatan peninsula. Studies are under way
and animal species. The international
on this aggregation of the biggest fish in
group convened at Mote to determine
the sea.
the population status of sharks and rays
• Ongoing studies of the reproductive
in North and Central America, finding
physiology of live-bearing sharks and rays
that some species have become critically
showed that environmental pesticides
endangered. With strict management,
were not the cause of reproductive
other species in a similar situation have
problems in a freshwater population of
recovered from their depleted status.
1998 Polly Loomis Endowment for Marine Biomedical Research established.
2001 Perry W. Gilbert Endowed Chair in Shark Research established.
2002 Mote coordinates the creation of the National Shark Research Consortium. Other members are the University of Florida, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. 2004 Annual Report
PROGRAMS & MANAGERS ELASMOBRANCH BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY, Michelle Heupel, Ph.D. Examines shark movement patterns and shark habitats in coastal estuaries and rivers. ELASMOBRANCH FISHERIES & CONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Colin Simpfendorfer, Ph.D. Assesses the population and critical habitat for the endangered smalltooth sawfish and commercial shark species and assesses ecosystem models for sharks and rays. ELASMOBRANCH PHYSIOLOGY & ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY, James Gelsleichter, Ph.D. Studies the reproductive physiology of live-bearing sharks and rays. MARINE BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH, Carl Luer, Ph.D. Studies disease resistance, biochemistry and embryonic development of sharks, skates and rays. MARINE IMMUNOLOGY, Cathy Walsh, Ph.D. Characterizes cellular immune function in elasmobranchs, identifies immune regulatory factors, and characterizes environmental stressors on manatee health. SHARK BIOLOGY, Robert E. Hueter, Ph.D. Studies shark abundance, nursery grounds, fisheries impacts, shark feeding mechanisms and shark sensory systems.
MISSION: Mote’s Center for Shark Research is the largest shark research center in the world. Designated as a national center by the U.S. Congress in 1991, it is dedicated to the scientiďŹ c study of sharks, skates and rays and conducts laboratory and ďŹ eld research on these animals from the molecular biology level in the lab to shark populations in the sea.
8 6
MOTE MARINE LABORA LABORATORY
COASTAL ECOLOGY COAST
Ernest D. Estevez, Ph.D., Director HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS
1966 Pioneering algae studies by Sylvia Earle on Florida’s west coast begin.
1967 First ecological studies of Charlotte Harbor’s sediments, salinity and fishes begin.
1971 First Charlotte Harbor field station established at Placida.
1972 Selby Environmental Health Fellowship established.
Coastal Discovery Using advanced technology and new methodologies, center scientists explored the sea as never before, finding new methods to track pollution and raise shellfish and exploring caverns hundreds of feet below the surface of the Gulf of Mexico. • Working with independent divers, Mote
• Staff succeeded in using innovative
staff found new underwater caverns,
methods to stock the once common and
possibly the world’s largest, in the Gulf
always prized bay scallop in the waters of
of Mexico off Sarasota. These sinkholes
Charlotte Harbor.
1975 Estuarine Ecology
and caves offer great promise for
• Other innovative research included
and Environmental Health research programs created at Mote.
archaeological, historical, geological and
identifying grouper habitat off Florida’s
ecological discoveries.
west coast and in the Keys using a side
• Staff developed, tested and used a new
scan sonar system to “paint” an image of
method for recognizing optical brighteners
the sea floor.
Assessment Division is established at Mote.
– a laundry detergent additive designed
• The center played a key role as
to make clothes brighter – in natural
coordinator of the Charlotte Harbor
1982 First studies of
waters. This powerful new tool could
Research Project, which involved other
Florida rivers begin.
help demonstrate septic tank pollution in
Mote science centers, during a time of
1984 First modern
natural waterways.
upheaval. As the year began, studies
study of invertebrates living in Charlotte Harbor begins.
• New research in 2004 brings to more
sought to confirm that harbor ecology
than three dozen the number of Florida
would resemble that of 2003, a very
rivers studied by center scientists. Their
wet year. But Hurricane Charley and
Scientific Diving Program established within the center.
work studying the state’s tidal rivers – more
subsequent hurricanes made 2004 even
than any other institution – was recognized
wetter, bringing unexpected consequences
during a worldwide rivers symposium in
to the harbor’s ecology. Post-hurricane
1991 Center’s first
Australia. One finding was that a type of
studies were more difficult due to the
vegetation was not flourishing as expected
destruction of the Mote field station on
in the Caloosahatchee River. The search
Pine Island. Nevertheless, by the October
for reasons included a study of the species
start of the annual Charlotte Harbor
1994 Center provides
at Mote laboratory in Sarasota. The work is
Conference at Mote, scientists were able to
the first international training workshop at Mote.
important because the river’s recovery is
report on the storm’s initial impacts to the
a necessary part of the Florida Everglades
harbor’s marine life and habitat.
1974 First ecological studies of Sarasota Bay and Venice waters.
1979 Environmental
1990 AAUS-approved
international research trip on the southern coast of India takes place.
1998 Modern Center for Coastal Ecology is established at Mote.
2000 Landscape Ecology Program created; second Charlotte Harbor Field Station established at Pineland.
2001 Charlotte Harbor Research Project begins.
2004 Annual Report
restoration.
PROGRAMS & MANAGERS BENTHIC ECOLOGY, James Culter, Staff Scientist. Explores life in the bottom sediments of Florida’s rivers, bays and estuaries and conducts nationally significant studies at electric power stations. CHEMICAL ECOLOGY, L. Kellie Dixon, Ph.D. candidate. Monitors coastal water quality in Sarasota County and Charlotte Harbor and is working to advance the study of marine optics. COASTAL RESOURCES, Ernest D. Estevez, Ph.D. Developing methods and applications to use mollusks as markers to portray ecological conditions in tidal rivers and coordinates the Charlotte Harbor Research Program. LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY, Brad D. Robbins, Staff Scientist. Working to understand wild celery grass ecology in the Caloosahatchee River and using Geographic Information Systems for very large-scale ecological studies.
MISSION: Mote’s Center for Coastal Ecology studies the relationship between organisms and their environments in Florida’s coastal waters – their past, present and future – in order to develop scientific methods to restore and protect these great marine resources.
8 8
MOTE MARINE LABORA LABORATORY
MARINE MAMMAL & SEA TURTLE RESEARCH Randall S. Wells, Ph.D., Director HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS
1959 Rare beaked whale remains are donated by Mote to the American Museum of Natural History.
1970 Office of Naval Research funds studies on the interactions between dolphins and sharks; dolphin tagging studies begin from Tampa Bay to Charlotte Harbor, documenting these animals’ local residency for the first time. The program continues today as the world’s longest-running dolphin research program.
Toxins Taken to Task The center made new strides in understanding marine mammal and sea turtle biology and behavior in 2004 with studies looking at everything from toxin exposures to the discovery of new species and learning more about where sea turtles spend their lives in the water • One interesting development was the
• New in-water studies in Charlotte
discovery of a fatty acid biomarker that
Harbor yielded 160 turtle locations for
indicates exposure to red tide toxin and
three species: loggerhead, Kemp’s ridley
other health-stressing agents in manatees
and green turtles. Earthwatch began
1982 Genie, a second
and, perhaps, other marine animals.
supporting the study in July, but Hurricane
generation in Mote’s wild dolphin study, gives birth to the study’s third generation.
• Special projects began to address Arctic
Charley destroyed Mote’s Charlotte Harbor
marine mammal conservation and assess
Field Station and delayed the study’s
health risks to native peoples who are
progress.
1982 Sea turtle nest
subsistence hunters.
• Three years of data from instruments
monitoring begins.
• High levels of first-born bottlenose
deployed in Charlotte Harbor show that
1984 Mote standardizes
dolphin calf mortality were found to be
the acoustic behavior of marine life can
its response to stranded marine mammals.
correlated with the concentrations of
be correlated with many environmental
environmental contaminants, such as
changes and can be used as a measure of
1985 First aerial survey
PCBs, found in the mothers’ milk. The
biological activity. While Hurricane Charley
contaminants are being transferred
passed directly over Charlotte Harbor, it
through nursing.
did not affect fish spawning.
• Collaborative research produced papers
• New manatee studies found that
on the discovery of a new whale species
manatee facial hairs, or vibrasse, can
as well as new internal and external whale
sense different surface textures at a level
parasites.
at least equal to the human touch.
• The turtle program coordinated more
• Staff entered the 35th year of studies of
than 140 volunteers and eight summer
four generations of dolphins in Sarasota
interns to monitor Longboat, Siesta, and
Bay. Research examines the ecology,
Casey keys and the Venice beaches in
behavior and health of dolphins as well as
Sarasota County and documented 875
the impacts of human activities.
false crawls and 797 nests – including two
• Staff worked on many peer-reviewed
green turtle nests. This marked the lowest
manuscripts and another book.
of manatees.
1987 Sarasota County adopts sea turtle protection plan because of Mote’s efforts.
1990 Bottlenose dolphins Misha and Echo are released in Tampa Bay, marking the first scientific effort to monitor captive dolphins after their return to native waters. 1994 The Ann and Alfred Goldstein Marine Mammal Center opens and the Fran Warren Endowment for Marine Mammals is established.
1996 Genie’s daughter Claire gives birth to the first documented fourth generation of Sarasota Bay dolphins.
1998 The Center for Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Research is officially formed.
2004 Annual Report
nesting year for Sarasota and the U.S. since 1991.
PROGRAMS & MANAGERS DOLPHIN RESEARCH, Dr. Randall Wells, Ph.D. Studies coastal dolphins to understand the population dynamics and structure of small cetaceans and the human factors that affect them. The work is done in collaboration with the Chicago Zoological Society and colleagues worldwide. Offshore dolphin studies seek to understand deepwater dolphin species from a genetic to a population level. MANATEE RESEARCH, John Reynolds III, Ph.D. Partners with other organizations to answer important questions about manatee biology, health and behavior to understand the species and help inform management decisions and educate the public. SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH, Jerris Foote, Staff Scientist. Coordinates turtle nest monitoring activities in Sarasota County to aid in the assessment of suitable nesting habitats. In-water studies seek to determine sea turtle abundance and habitat usage in Charlotte Harbor to aid management decisions that may affect juvenile sea turtles. SENSORY BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR, William Tavolga, Ph.D. Studies the sensory and cognitive processes in a variety of marine mammals. STRANDING INVESTIGATIONS, Nélio Barros, Ph.D. Provides 24-hour response to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings in coastal Southwest Florida and offers logistical stranding support to state manatee biologists. Studies seek to understand the natural history of cetaceans and sea turtles and evaluate long-term mortality trends.
MISSION: Mote’s Center for Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Research provides the highest quality information to enhance the understanding of the biology, and habitat requirements of these aquatic vertebrates to inform conservation and management decisions. The center also provides professional leadership among peers and students worldwide and disseminates ďŹ ndings to scientists, conservationists and the general public.
8 10
MOTE MARINE LABORA LABORATORY
ECOTOXICOLOGY
Richard H. Pierce, Ph.D., Director HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS
1957 The first samples of the red tide organism are displayed at the lab.
1962 Mote launches its first study of red tide. 1973 Mote, NASA and the state of Florida show that red tide blooms begin offshore. 1981 The Chemical Fate and Effects Program begins as the precursor to the Center for Ecotoxicology.
Red Tide Response Measuring human and animal reactions to red tide and chemical contaminants and finding new ways to assess exposures were key questions addressed in 2004. New systems were also designed to search for red tide using unmanned vehicles and stationary BreveBusters. • Research found a new sequence of
red tide bloom dynamics. T Tests have
fatty acid compounds that appear to be
revealed how some red tides form along
produced in manatees exposed to red tide
the bottom and create bloom conditions
toxins. This “biomarker fingerprinting” is
when upwellings occur. These preliminary
an important forensic tool for assessing the
studies produced the groundwork for
cause of manatee illness or death. New
Mote’s Sarasota Operations Coastal
studies are under way to evaluate similar
Oceans Observation Laboratory (SO COOL)
“fingerprints” in dolphins and whales.
to be installed in 2005 as a control station
• A compound produced by the red tide
for observing red tide, opening the door for
organism, Karenia brevis, that inhibits its
other research opportunities.
own toxicity has been found in a red tide
• Work began to create new tests to
bloom along the Sarasota Gulf coast. The
determine how red tide toxins break
compound was initially identified in a lab
down in shellfish tissues with the goal
culture at the University of North Carolina,
of producing more exacting and timely
Ecotoxicology established; Mote partners with S.T.A.R.T. and Woods Hole to investigate red tide mitigation.
Wilmington. The so-called “antagonist”
testing for shellfish bed closures during
could be used to reduce red tide impacts
red tides. The studies are also designed
on humans and marine mammals.
to assess how toxic compounds are
• New research showed the human
transferred to marine animals that eat
impact of red tides. People with chronic
shellfish.
1999 The Sylvia and
respiratory disease are affected by even
• Coral health studies in the new Marine
Mel Levi Endowed Chair in Ecotoxicology established.
small doses of airborne red tide toxins,
Microbiology Program are focusing on
whereas healthy individuals exhibit
bacteria and fungi that promote a healthy
irritation and discomfort but show no
environment for coral and fend off disease.
respiratory dysfunction during and after
Studies to provide baseline information
exposure.
about microorganisms associated with
• New BreveBuster red tide sensors have
healthy and diseased coral are under way
been deployed in autonomous underwater
with NOAA and the Florida Keys National
vehicles and on channel markers for
Marine Sanctuary.
1984 Research with liquid chromatograph technology begins to detect toxins in water, air and animal tissue.
1987 Achieved a breakthrough in hazard assessment of pesticide impacts and provides the first characterization of airborne red tide toxins that affect humans. 1992 BreveBuster development begins.
1998 Center for
2000 Research begins on red tides and human health and chemical contaminant projects begin in the Arctic.
2001 Obtained advanced technology to identify individual harmful algae compounds and the first sea trials of the BreveBuster begin.
2003 Initiated studies of neurotoxic shellfish poisoning in Sarasota Bay clams and oysters.
2004 Annual Report
continuous, real-time data regarding
PROGRAMS & MANAGERS AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY, Dana Wetzel, Ph.D. Assesses petroleum residues and pesticides in marine mammals eaten by native subsistence hunters and looks for biomarkers that could assess other toxins in other groups of marine mammals. CHEMICAL FATE AND EFFECTS, Michael Henry, Staff Scientist. Studies seek to discover how natural toxins and chemical pollutants are distributed, persist and break down in the marine environment. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, Barbara Kirkpatrick, Ed.D. Studies how humans are affected by aerosolized red tide toxins and how to effectively educate residents and visitors about those studies. PHYTOPLANKTON ECOLOGY, Gary Kirkpatrick, Ph.D. Current work addresses phytoplankton behavior, photophysiology and bloom dynamics, especially for red tide. Lab studies seek to understand how harmful algae function at cellular, community and ecosystem levels. MARINE MICROBIOLOGY, Kimberly Ritchie, Ph.D. Seeks to establish health assessments for Florida coral reef tract and for microbial baselines of coral communities.
MISSION: Mote’s Center for Ecotoxicology investigates the sources of natural biotoxins and chemical pollutants and how they break down in the marine environment. The center also assesses the risks such toxins pose to public health and natural resources and seeks new techniques to monitor and reduce those affects. These studies involve marine biology, ecology, chemistry, toxicology, microbiology and health sciences.
8 12
MOTE MARINE LABORA LABORATORY
FISHERIES ENHANCEMENT Kenneth M. Leber, Ph.D., Director HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS
1979 First comprehensive survey of fish populations in Sarasota Bay begins. 1985 Mote and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute create a partnership to scientifically investigate restoration of depleted marine and estuarine fisheries. Today the partnership has major influence on restoration efforts throughout the U.S.
Sustaining Fish Populations Sustaining fisheries that are ecologically and economically important to Florida is an important goal in the center. Key components include finding ways to scientifically evaluate stock enhancement procedures and improve their effectiveness and viability. • Studies documented that hatchery-
alterations related to development, the
reared snook can double the size of a
center investigated fish populations in
snook population without displacing the
brackish streams and showed that fish
wild fish. A 34-inch-long hatchery snook
favored the restored streams. Studies
was recaptured in 2004, five years after
also included the importance of habitat
being released as a 5-inch juvenile,
connectivity to snook, red drum and
showing that stocked snook can survive to
tarpon.
spawning size.
• As part of the Science Consortium for
• A new adult snook movement and
Ocean Replenishment, the center worked
1995 Charles M. Breder,
mortality study began in Sarasota Bay
to develop marine stock enhancement
Jr. Chair established to support the study of the biology, behavior and conservation of fishes.
using legal-size snook implanted with
technology to provide U.S. agencies with
acoustic tags. The snook were tracked
an effective, turnkey tool for restoring
using boats with remote receivers, and
depleted populations of valuable fishes.
results will be used in stock assessment.
• In Project T Tampa Bay, Mote scientists
Mote International Symposium in Fisheries Ecology is held.
• Geographic studies compared the age,
joined state biologists to plan, execute and
growth, reproduction, movement and
analyze one of the largest experimental
survival of red snapper in Florida waters.
releases of lab-cultured red drum ever.
1997 First experimental
The center also evaluated minimum size
• Research continued to develop methods
regulations for selected reef fish and led a
to boost the survival rate of hatchery-
cooperative long-line sampling of Florida’s
raised red snapper. Studies on the long-
1994 The William R. and Lenore Mote Endowment in Fisheries Ecology and Enhancement established at Florida State University as a Mote-Florida State University partnership.
1996 The first FSU-
release of common snook to evaluate survival patterns of hatchery-reared fish.
west coast shallow water grouper to
spined sea urchin, whose consumption
1998 The Center for
characterize life history, undersize bycatch
of algae promotes coral settlement,
Fisheries Enhancement officially established.
and targeted habitats. New life history and
expanded.
habitat use studies of reef fish began with
• Studies in the Apalachicola drainage
volunteers in the Florida Keys.
basin continued to determine the potential
• In Charlotte Harbor, where the coastline
impact of reduced spawning habitat on the
has undergone decades of drainage
endangered Gulf sturgeon.
2000 Scientists show that hatchery-raised and released snook make up 4 percent of Sarasota Bay’s snook population and that hatchery-reared red drum established a small fishery in Biscayne Bay.
2002 Mote proves the importance of tidal creeks as key snook nursery grounds.
2003 Scientists find that an exotic fish species has invaded Charlotte Harbor. 2004 Annual Report
PROGRAMS & MANAGERS
FISH BIOLOGY, Karen Burns, Ph.D. candidate. Works to understand the life history and migratory patterns of coastal pelagic and reef fishes as the foundation for stock assessment management. FISHERIES ASSESSMENT AND ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT, Carl Walters, Ph.D., William and Lenore Mote Eminent Scholar in Fisheries Ecology. Addresses the need for reliable stock assessment since resource management policies must be specified and justified on quantitative terms. FISHERIES HABITAT ECOLOGY, Aaron Adams, Ph.D. Advances knowledge about how to maintain the integrity of fish habitats, including threshold distances between habitats, the need for dispersal corridors, the role of micro-habitat for juveniles, and understanding which species most benefit from an increase in habitat. MARINE STOCK ENHANCEMENT, Ken Leber, Ph.D. Focuses on effective marine stock enhancement technology to restore depleted populations, augment fishery yields in recruitment-limited or habitat-limited stocks, advances basic knowledge about wild stocks, establishes new fisheries on artificial reefs and develops effective strategies for using hatcheries to help conserve coral reef communities.
MISSION: Mote’s Center for Fisheries Enhancement strives to substantially increase the knowledge of how to preserve and responsibly enhance coastal fish and invertebrate populations. The center aspires to be recognized as a leader in fisheries ecology, marine fisheries enhancement and fisheries management strategies through innovative research, training, and promotion of sustainable fishing practices.
8 14
MOTE MARINE LABORA LABORATORY
TROPICAL RESEARCH LABORA LABORATORY/CORAL REEF RESEARCH Bruce Frerer, Interim Executive Director • Erich Bartels, Interim Director HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS
1993 Tropical coral reef research station established on Pigeon Key.
1995 Coral reef research program established in the Florida Keys; hard coral propagation studies begins.
1996 Mote establishes proof of calcium channels in coral calcification.
Coral Research and Discovery The Tropical Research Laboratory provided the facilities and the operations center for the Center for Coral Reef Research as well as field headquarters for other Mote research centers working with sharks, marine mammals, red tide, fisheries enhancement and aquaculture. • Work was initiated on a new Coral
laboratory exposure experiments.
EPA initiate the annual Florida Keys Coral Disease Survey.
Bleaching Early Warning Network to help
• Extensive upgrades were made to the
managers detect coral bleaching events
coral culture and coral gene bank facilities
and work to try to prevent corals from
at the Tropical Research Laboratory.
2000 Center for Tropical Research established on Summerland Key; researchers identify molecular biomarkers of coral stress.
dying. The project will use existing remote
The Center for Aquaculture Research
sensing and in-situ monitoring stations
and Development studied new coral
combined with a dedicated network of
growing methods and transplantation
trained volunteer observers to monitor
and established an in-situ nursery for
coral reefs for signs of bleaching. Work
coral fragments rescued from a vessel
also continued on the Ultraviolet Light
grounding. T Twenty-three species of hard
monitoring program, which is designed to
corals are now being grown at the lab.
evaluate the interactions between climate
• Work also continued on the Looe
and UV penetration in the water and
Key telepresence project to station a
its contribution to coral bleaching. The
camera on the Looe Key Reef with live
program determined field measurements
feeds transmitted to the lab for internet
for changes in light penetration over the
dissemination on a real-time basis.
reefs and the effects of water from Florida
• In Key West, the Conch Baby Farm
Bay and the Gulf.
had a major overhaul and facelift that
• Work continued through MEERA, the
included a new conch nursery “raceway”
Marine Ecosystem Event Response
to demonstrate the aquaculture center’s
Assessment program that encourages
programs growing queen conch in
citizen observers to help deliver immediate
Summerland Key and Sarasota. Nursery
information about unusual environmental
trials examining the importance of
conditions to resource managers.
increased calcium in queen conch shell
• Collaborative research continued on
strength continued in collaboration with
Diadema antillarum, the long-spined sea
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution.
urchin, to determine how much this algae
The Conch Baby Farm is now a major
eater affects coral reef health.
attraction for Key West visitors.
• The lab provided field support for the
• The Florida Red Tide Monitoring
Center for Ecotoxicology’s coral health
Program assumed greater importance in
studies focusing on bacteria and fungi,
2004, sampling red tide events spanning
including hard and soft coral collection,
the Florida Keys.
1997 Mote and the
2003 Center renamed the Center for Coral Reef Research. Hard coral aquaculture research project begins.
2004 Conch Baby Farm opens in Key West as a public outreach facility to highlight Mote’s marine science research efforts in the Florida Keys and Sarasota.
microbiology sampling and controlled
PROGRAMS & MANAGERS CORAL REEF BIOLOGY, Erich Bartels, Staff Scientist. Evaluates the biology and health of coral reef ecosystems.
2004 Annual Report
MISSION: The Tropical Research Laboratory hosts the Center for Coral Research, which is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of coral reefs in collaboration with other research organizations in the Florida Keys. The Tropical Research Laboratory also maintains the Key West Conch Baby Farm and hosts research performed by other Mote centers and visiting scientists.
8 16
MOTE MARINE LABORA LABORATORY
AQUACULTURE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AQUACUL Kevan L. Main, Ph.D., Director HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS
1957 Dr. Charles Breder, renowned fish biologist who first discovered that brine shrimp could be a larval food for marine fishes, joins Mote staff. 1986 Mote begins aquaculture research with common snook.
1996 Mote’s first aquaculture facilities are completed. 1998 Mote begins aquaculture research on Caspian Sea sturgeon.
Fish Farming Advances Mote Aquaculture Park expanded, focusing on testing and designing systems that use the best recirculating filtration systems to reduce the dependence and impact on coastal ecosystems and to design methods necessary for widespread commercial aquaculture production. • The second year of Florida pompano
the growth of restaurant-quality shrimp
studies was extremely successful,
designed to help fulfill an ever-increasing
demonstrating that this high-value marine
demand for this popular food. The goal is
Aquaculture Research and Development established. Construction begins on Mote Aquaculture Park 17 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico.
fish can thrive in low-salinity conditions.
to farm Pacific white shrimp in low-salinity
Broodstock collected throughout the year
waters using recirculating techniques.
and housed at Mote Aquaculture Park
The program should also demonstrate the
were successfully matured, resulting in
viability of this species as a new “crop”
the production of large numbers of larvae
that can be grown inland, presenting a
and juveniles. The pompano successes
unique farming opportunity for Florida.
2002 First sturgeon
indicate that this species may be well-
• In addition to improving and expanding
production systems are completed at Mote Aquaculture Park and animals are moved from the Sarasota lab. Projects expand to include red snapper, Florida pompano and queen conch.
suited for inland farming in recirculating
marine aquaculture technologies, center
filtration systems. The continued
scientists are investigating the optimal
development of marine fish culture
biological and culture system needs of
techniques and technology will help
saltwater species and studying ways to
Florida’s aquaculture industry diversify
farm other marine species in low salinity or
the species that can be produced and
freshwater conditions. Using fresh water
marketed.
simplifies the requirements of recirculating
2003 Caspian Sea
• Large-scale growout systems for
systems and reduces production costs at
sturgeon are marketed, and hard coral aquaculture begins using new filtration and culture technologies.
sturgeon began operation, and fish were
inland sites.
spread into new commercial-scale tanks
• Growth of juvenile snook, red snapper,
with freshwater filtration designs. Data
queen conch and hard corals also
confirm that Siberian sturgeon grew faster
continued for stock restoration efforts.
2004 Marine shrimp
than initially projected and that Siberian
• The center’s recirculating system
demonstration project begins at Mote Aquaculture Park. Coral growth research focuses on field studies and environmentally controlled studies. Key West Conch Baby Farm is established to demonstrate queen conch growing efforts.
sturgeon can thrive in higher densities and
designs, along with research findings
higher temperatures than expected.
from aeration and filtration studies, were
• In 2004, the center began work on
presented at international conferences.
2001 Center for
2004 Annual Report
PROGRAMS & MANAGERS MARINE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Kevan L. Main, Ph.D. Develops the technology and husbandry techniques to farm highvalue species to advance Florida’s food fish aquaculture industry and works on techniques to help restore juvenile snook, red snapper, queen conch and coral populations in the world’s oceans. MARINE SHRIMP COMMERCIAL DEMONSTRATION, Ryan L. Gandy, Ph.D. Uses commercial-scale raceways and recirculating systems to produce shrimp in low salinity conditions. STURGEON COMMERCIAL DEMONSTRATION, James T. Michaels, Senior Scientist. Seeks to develop systems and techniques to produce caviar and sturgeon for luxury food markets. In so doing, the program will help relieve pressure on wild Caspian Sea sturgeon stocks and fill the current gap of supply vs. demand for food fish.
MISSION: Mote’s Center for Aquaculture Research and Development is finding innovative and cost-effective system and husbandry techniques to produce high-value marine and freshwater fish and shellfish. This research, using environmentally responsible practices, focuses on commercial-scale seafood production and growing fish for stock enhancement research.
8 18
MOTE MARINE LABORA LABORATORY
AQUARIUM
Daniel F. Bebak, VVice President HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS
1980 Mote Aquarium opens to the public.
1988 The shark tank exhibit is added.
1989 The JASON Project begins with real-time undersea exploration for students to view. The first Sarasota Airport aquarium opens.
1992 The original Mote Mobile Exhibit begins its travels. Rivers, Bays and Estuaries exhibit opens.
Expanding the Audience Mote Aquarium marked a milestone in 2004 with the opening of the “Mr. Mote Story” exhibit in recognition of the support and backing provided by Mr. William R. Mote. The exhibit links Mr. Mote’s history to the lab’s growth and expansion over the last five decades. • The new Immersion Cinema opened
identification using state-of-the-art remote-
in the Martin Selby Science Education
sensing equipment followed by divers
Center at Mote with expanded capacity
going down to identify, record, and assess
for an interactive movie-going experience.
possible archaeological sites. Those with
The new hi-tech cinema – the only one
the potential to yield significant information
of its kind in Florida – features a 40 foot
will be candidates for investigation through
1995 The airport gets
high-definition screen complete with Dolby
excavation, mapping and artifact recovery.
another Mote aquarium tank.
sound and interactive computer consoles
The program is building partnerships
that allow audience members to become
with other institutions and organizations
1996 The sea turtle
involved in the movies they watch. This
to conduct research in the Gulf of
new technology is designed to reach and
Mexico, the Florida Keys, T Tampa Bay and
teach young audiences in media they’re
Sarasota County. Future projects include
already familiar with – video games and
investigations of the prehistoric site at Little
with Hugh and Buffett opens.
big screen movies. The theater will also
Salt Spring with the University of Miami.
be used for interactive programs from the
• More people than ever were exposed to
1998 Mote Aquarium
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary,
Mote research through the aquarium and
is accredited by the American Association of Museums.
where Mote is working with the NOAA and
through the Mote Mobile Exhibit, each of
Mystic Aquarium to set up an interactive
which was seen by an estimated 400,000
reef camera.
people. A new off-site aquarium was also
provides more Mote Aquarium space.
• The Nautical Archaeology program was
unveiled at the Glenridge community.
established to add a cultural dimension
• Mote Aquarium hosted the Regional
1999 Unique arch
to Mote’s rich half-century of scientific
Aquatics Workshop, the only annual
aquarium installed in the Selby Public Library. The ray touch tank and the Sea Cinema open.
biological research and its interpretation
gathering of public aquarium facilities
to the public. Its first undertaking will be
managers to share their experiences, and
the Charlotte Harbor Shipwreck Survey,
supported the marine mammal and sea
2001 The Mysterious
a systematic survey of wrecks in the
turtle rehabilitation efforts during a record
Mollusks exhibit opens with Molly, one of only three preserved giant squid on display in the U.S. New Mote Mobile begins operation.
harbor. Operations will begin with target
year of strandings.
KEY EXHIBITS
2002 Contact Cove, a
A 135,000 gallon shark tank holds a variety of Florida fishes, including red drum, snook and goliath grouper. • Two touch tanks provide hands-on experience with living marine animals. • A giant squid display is one of only three in the country that shows this mysterious creature that has still never been seen alive. • Shark Attack Theater gives visitors a shark’s eye view of capturing and eating prey. • Research in progress takes place behind the glassed-in walls of working science labs. • Immersion Cinema combines gaming with movies to give kids of all ages a high-tech learning experience that teaches them about sea science and research. • Turtles and manatees offer an up-close glimpse of marine life.
1993 Wyland paints his famous whales and dolphins wall.
1994 The Ann and Alfred Goldstein Marine Mammal Center opens.
exhibit opens and rehabilitation hospital begins operation.
1997 Manatee exhibit
1998 & 1999 Expansion
volunteer-funded touch tank opens. Small-scale Immersion Theater is built and tested.
2003 Mote Aquarium accredited by the American Zoo & Aquarium Association. 2004 Annual Report
MISSION: The Mote Aquarium is more than just entertainment; it’s a learning experience about life in the sea. Its key mission is to link exhibits to the research being done by Mote scientists to help motivate interest and support in marine research. As the laboratory expands with new science programs and field stations, so too Mote Aquarium reflects this growth and evolution through new key exhibits. 30,000 people visited in 1980; now, an average of 30,000 people visit the aquarium each month.
8 20
MOTE MARINE LABORA LABORATORY
ANIMAL CARE PROGRAM
Charles A. Manire, D.V D.V.M., Manager HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS
1969 First year Mote staff worked with stranded marine mammals.
1973 A bottlenose dolphin becomes Mote’s first rehabilitation case.
1986 Mote’s first successful rescue and recovery of a stranded manatee calf.
1992 Mote’s first successful dolphin rescue and release; sea turtle rehabilitation efforts begin on a limited basis.
Breaking Animal Care Records The Animal Care Program cared for more animals in 2004 than in any previous year, breaking records in the number of animals successfully released back to the wild from both the Dolphin and Whale and the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation hospitals. • Staff and volunteers working in cetacean
had not previously been described in
rehabilitation had at least two dolphins
scientific literature.
in the hospital each day of 2004. Three
• There were 1,233 turtle hatchlings
dolphins were returned to the wild and
brought into the Hatchling Hospital during
Alfred Goldstein Marine Mammal Center opens and allows for more concentrated efforts with sea turtle and marine mammal rehabilitation.
three dolphins that had been rehabilitated
the summer of 2004, with more than
were declared unreleasable. Three
1,000 of them released. That makes a
additional dolphins were being held as the
90 percent release rate for the year. The
year ended for scheduled 2005 release. A
success can be partially credited to a
virus identified in one of these cases had
new treatment developed at Mote using
1996 Hugh and Buffett
never before been reported in cetaceans.
steroids to treat fire ant bites in turtles.
• The ability to treat multiple dolphins from
• In addition to being on public display,
more than one stranding will only increase
the resident sea turtles helped in a
in the coming years with the expansion
number of research projects involving the
of the Ann and Alfred Goldstein Marine
effects of environmental enrichment and a
Mammal Center, which includes a new
reproduction study. The turtles also helped
100,000 gallon rehabilitation tank.
rehabilitate stranded turtles, acting as
• Staff and volunteers in sea turtle
blood donors for transfusions on anemic
rehabilitation worked with 25 sea turtles
loggerheads brought in for treatment.
and were able to release 15 of them.
• Among the several research projects
Another three turtles will continue their
undertaken with the manatees was a study
rehabilitation into 2005. In addition, staff
of tactile acuity of their vibrasse (body
identified a new parasite – a lungworm
hairs). The level of tactile sensitivity that
tentatively being named Angiostoma
the manatees demonstrated is comparable
carettae – in loggerhead sea turtles that
to experienced Braille readers.
1994 The Ann and
arrive at Mote.
1997 The new Jane and David Allen Manatee Habitat opens as a new home for Hugh and Buffett and the Donna Wolf Steigerwaldt Rehabilitation Lagoon is completed. Two bottlenose dolphins are rehabilitated and released.
1998 Two rough-tooth dolphins and one sea turtle are rehabilitated and released.
1999 The Animal Care Program is officially established to combine the efforts to treat sick and injured animals and care for Mote Aquarium residents. Twelve sea turtles and one dolphin are treated and released.
2004 Annual Report
PROGRAMS & MANAGERS SEA TURTLE CARE, Corie Baird. Supervises the care of resident sea turtles. MANATEE CARE, Joseph Gaspard. Supervises the care and training of resident manatees. REHABILITATION, Petra Cunningham-Smith. Responsible for coordinating non-medical care of cetaceans and sea turtles in rehabilitation. VETERINARY LABORATORY, Lynne Byrd. Responsible for coordinating medical diagnostics and care of resident and rehabilitation animals.
MISSION: Mote’s Animal Care Program is a part of Mote Aquarium and cares for the resident manatees and sea turtles. The program includes a rehab facility for dolphins, whales and sea turtles and seeks to provide state-of-the-art critical and chronic care. The program seeks to learn everything it can to expand the knowledge of the basic biology, the veterinary care and the disease processes of these animals.
8 22
MOTE MARINE LABORA LABORATORY
EDUCATION DIVISION EDUCA
David H. Niebuhr, Ph.D., VVice President HISTORICALLY SPEAKING HISTORICALL From the beginning, Mote research and education programs have linked public fascination with the local marine environment to the work going on at the laboratory. From nearly day one, students came to the lab to learn about sea creatures, often bringing their parents along on the journey.
Encouraging Lifetime Learning The division interprets current marine research to local and global audiences using innovative long-distance and hands-on methods. By inspiring life-long learning about the sea, the division strives to motivate conservation and sustainability of our coastal and marine resources.
Residents and visitors alike have come to Mote with questions about what they found on the beach, saw in the water or smelled in the air.
Distance Learning
for the “Secret Life of Dolphins,” in a
The Center for Distance Learning brings
partnership with Chicago’s Brookfield
Mote science and educational programs
Zoo. The project was introduced to a pilot
to a wide variety of audiences through
group of teachers, and staff from Distance
interactive videoconferences and other
Learning and the Brookfield Zoo presented
Mote staff has always been receptive to these inquiries, and informal summer programs for children date from the lab’s earliest days.
distance learning technologies. The
the program at the Marine Mammal
SeaTrek Program targets K-12 students
Alliance Meeting in Orlando in July.
and their teachers and presented more
• Mote’s Immersion Cinema broadcast Dr.
than 130 videoconferences in 19 states.
Robert Ballard’s return to the Titanic Titanic in the
• The 2004 completion of the Keating
“Titanic Live! Expedition.” A special VIP
Organized on-site education programs began more than 20 years ago.
Marine Education Center created two
evening included a live videoconference
state-of-the-art videoconferencing
with Dr. Ballard. The evening also
studios. Funds provided through a U.S.
featured Dr. J. “Coz” Cozzi, Mote’s
Department of Education grant helped
nautical archaeologist, and Mote Trustee
complete the technological components
Mr. Robert Williams, who has visited the
of the presentation and studio spaces,
Titanic in a submersible. Titanic
helped improve electronic capabilities
• “Disappearing Wetlands,” the subject of
at the lab and provided internet and
the 2004 JASON Project, was broadcast
infrastructure support for Mote’s Tropical
from Louisiana and attended by a student
Research Center in the Florida Keys.
argonaut from Sarasota. Approximately
• The center began development of new
150 teachers participated in Mote’s
videoconferences on fisheries, coral reefs
JASON Expedition training classes.
and marine technologies. SeaTrek also
School and Public Programs
SeaTrek was a natural extension of the popular JASON Project that started in 1989 and features real-time undersea and terrestrial exploration. SeaTrek, started in 1996, has expanded from the original seven Sarasota schools that participated to 43 schools across Florida. Another 130 video conferences were presented in 2004 to students in 19 different states.
offers a new “Careers” program to educate middle and high school students about careers in marine research. • A videoconference, curriculum materials and software database were completed
These programs translate current Mote research into hands-on opportunities for students of all ages so they can explore environmental and conservation issues (cont’d.)
CENTERS & DIRECTORS CENTER FOR DISTANCE LEARNING, Elizabeth K. Metz. Reaches audiences across Florida and the nation to teach students about marine science topics. The SeaTrek program targets K-12 audiences and their teachers. Future audience development efforts include programming for pre-service teachers, marine resource managers and public visitors to other aquariums, museums and libraries. CENTER FOR SCHOOL AND PUBLIC PROGRAMS, Julie Childers. Teaches marine science programs for schools, families and professional and social organizations onsite at Mote. CENTER FOR VOLUNTEER AND INTERN RESOURCES, Andrea S. Davis. Affords direct training and hands-on educational experiences for participants while providing the lab with essential, expert assistance.
2004 Annual Report
MISSION: The Mote Education Division was reorganized in 2004 by the Board of Trustees as part of the Mote Marine Laboratory Strategic Plan. The Division now includes the Center for Distance Learning, the Center for School and Public Programs and the Center for Volunteer and Intern Resources.
8 24
MOTE MARINE LABORA LABORATORY
EDUCATION DIVISION, continued EDUCA HISTORICALLY SPEAKING HISTORICALL Throughout the years, volunteers and interns have played critical roles at Mote. Like many other programs, the volunteer and intern programs evolved informally.
and become informed decision makers
provides support for Mote research,
regarding the future of marine resources.
aquarium and education programs.
• A new partnership with New Gate
Additionally, interns and volunteers fulfill
Sarasota expanded programs for 10th
career or life interest aspirations through
and 12th graders. The students come to
active participation in Mote’s programs.
behind-the-scenes tours with each visit
• Restructuring the college/intern program
focusing on a different Mote research
as a center under a newly unified and
center. There are now three partner
rejuvenated Education Division was the
schools in the Sarasota area.
most significant development in 2004.
• The new “T “Technology of the Ocean” field
Since explaining the results of Mote’s
trip for high school students featured a
research and educating people about
look at the technology that makes science
its mission are among the highest goals
possible. There are have eight programs,
of the institution, the consolidation of all
As the lab expanded and the aquarium opened in 1980, the need for well-trained volunteers and interns intensified.
all in keeping with Sunshine State
the education programs into one division
instructional standards.
has enhanced this synergy of research,
• A new corps of volunteer instructors will
education and the aquarium working
allow multiple classes to run consecutively.
together. Volunteers and interns play a key
• Public Programs took off in 2004 with
role and major accomplishments include
Volunteers met that demand themselves by creating the original volunteer organization and training program.
the addition of Mote Family Programs that
enhancing the programs.
were successful throughout the fall and
• Volunteer training now emphasizes
into the spring. “SeaSnooze,” an overnight
communication skills and interpretative
program, was a popular choice for schools
techniques. In 2004, 1,500 volunteers
Back in the early days, five docents gave tours at Siesta Key as early as the 1960s. The earliest formal intern program saw three college interns assisting in research projects in 1986.
and scouts.
served in all areas from the gift shop and
• The seasonal Monday@Mote lecture
exhibit interpretation to research and
series, featuring Mote and guest scientists,
animal care. In addition, the Volunteer/
was well attended and included special
Intern Center also worked closely with the
matinee features so more people could
Center for School and Public Programs
participate. The series will be presented in
to recruit, train and schedule volunteers
the Immersion Cinema in 2005.
to serve as teaching assistants. A new
• Summer Program enrollment exceeded
volunteer brochure was designed and
expectations and was filled to capacity.
produced in 2004.
Camps were offered at Mote facilities in
• A record number of 126 college interns
Sarasota and Summerland Key and were
gained valuable “hands on” field and
attended by students and teachers from
laboratory experience. The addition of
the U.S. and overseas.
a part-time intern coordinator improved
During the years when Mote was on Siesta Key, a few college students conducted research projects at Mote and a few volunteers helped researchers and gave informal tours.
Today, more than 1,500 volunteers provide more than 200,000 volunteer hours to the lab each year and more than 120 student interns provide academic enthusiasm in support of Mote’s research, education and aquarium programs.
Volunteer and Intern Resources The Center for Volunteer and Intern Resources provides direct educational experiences for adult learners and
2004 Annual Report
the program by expanding recruitment, diversity and scholarship efforts and the overall evaluation and assessment of the program.
COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION COMMUNICA Susannah Costello,Vice VVice President
Speaking of Science While Mote researchers focus on sharing science through peer-reviewed publications, the Communications Division is dedicated to explaining Mote’s messages, studies and results to the general public by finding new distribution channels and unique partnerships. • In 2004, the Communications Division
of nearly 100. The campaign kicked off
reorganized to bring operations in line with
with press conferences with best-selling
a new strategic emphasis. By creating a
author Randy Wayne White and Cousteau
new Publications department, the division
grandson, Philippe Pierre Cousteau.
focused more on content development
Efforts included special events to generate
and made significant gains in the evolution
support among front-line staff in tax
of Mote Magazine. Page count increased
collectors offices across the state.
by 30 percent and the magazine was
• Electronic Media staff saw its first full-
redesigned. The improved magazine has
fledged documentary, Blue Holes, air
been well received, helping generate press
in Sarasota and Manatee counties and
coverage and opening the door for the
laid the groundwork for a new working
Development Division to submit several
partnership with WGCU Public Media
science grant applications.
based at Florida Gulf Coast University
• Using the production of Mote Magazine
to expand the reach of Mote science
as a tool, the division also launched Media
stories. Staff provided a full complement
Lab@Mote. The program, for college
of AV support and oversaw design
seniors and graduate students, is designed
and installation of new equipment in
as a practicum where journalism students
Immersion Cinema and the Keating
participate in the production of a science
Marine Education Center. Other audience
magazine and make contacts that will be
expansion efforts included a new Mote
important in their future science writing
Aquarium promo for Rocket TV TV, a web-
careers.
based video channel.
• Public Relations, now as a subgroup
• Design Services supported all of these
of publications, continued educating the
efforts by updating Mote’s visual branding
public about Mote science via the news
with the fresh new look that can be
media. The database of media members
seen in brochures, programs, posters
is now more than 400. Notables include
and banners throughout the lab and
National Geographic, the New Y York ork T Times imes,
aquarium. Designers have also improved
the Boston Globe, USA T Today oday,, CBS oday
color correction and other pre-press
Evening News, National Public Radio and
processes that are essential for providing
CNN, among others.
a professional look for all Mote materials.
• Marketing had an extremely successful
Work also started on editing and digitizing
year with the launch of the “Protect
a collection of 30,000 underwater
Our Reefs” license plate campaign. In
photos donated by Mr. Herman Gross for
its first year, the plate sales exceeded
eventual sale and licensing. Mr. Gross also
expectations by becoming the sixth best
supported initial efforts to catalogue the
selling plate in the state, out of a field
collection for production.
8 26
MOTE MARINE LABORA LABORATORY
DONORS The following companies provided gifts matching the contributions of their current and retired employees: Aetna Giving Campaign Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America Eli Lilly & Company Foundation Exxon Mobil Foundation Matching Gift Program General Reinsurance Corporation The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation IBM International Foundation Johnson & Johnson May Department Stores Company Foundation Microsoft Matching Gifts Program Pepsico Foundation The Prudential Foundation Matching Gifts Program Sam’s Club Foundation Verizon Foundation
2004 Annual Report
Meeting the Need In 2004, the following donor contributions of $500 or more through gifts, grants, memberships and in-kind goods and services helped support our ocean science research. $50,000 and up Anonymous Anonymous Judy Graham Michael and Franza Janes Janssen Pharmaceutica Edward and Elaine M. Keating Keating Family Foundation Mike McKee Family Myra Monfort Runyan Mote Scientific Foundation The New Amsterdam Charitable Foundation Roberta Leventhal Sudakoff Foundation, Inc. $25,000-$49,999 Anonymous Bank of America N.A. Client Foundation Juan Cobo Estate of Joanne Dowell Genova Products Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Martin Michael Saunders & Company Carol L. Miller Sarasota Ford Schering Plough Corporation YYellow Book USA $10,000-$24,999 ABC 7 - WWSB TV American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Bayer Healthcare LLC The Honorable and Mrs. Michael S. Bennett Susan C. Gilmore and Tim Clarke Combined Federal Campaign Conch Republic Seafood Company DEX Imaging, Inc. Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund Mr. and Mrs. Richard O. Donegan The Florida Aquarium Flotilla 82 USCG Auxiliary 10-2000 Mr. and Mrs. Charles Griggs Mr. and Mrs. Herman Gross The Hurlburt Family Foundation, Inc. The Mark and Carol Hyman Fund Inbar Designs, Inc. Item Development, Inc. Curtis W. Miles Charitable Trust Mr. and Mrs. Ron R. Morris Publix Super Markets Charities SinoFresh Healthcare, Inc. SonoSite Southern Elegance Cleaning Elizabeth Steele Wachovia Bank Robert and Jill Williams $5,000-$9,999 Anonymous Anonymous ALLTEL Communications ALL American Marine Holdings The Vernal W. & Florence H. Bates Foundation Bright House Networks Mr. and Mrs. Vernon G. Buchanan Karen Burns
David Byrne Mr. and Mrs. Mike Carter Charlie and Family Dr. Eugenie Clark Comcast Cablevision of West Florida, Inc. Jane C. Ebbs Thomas and Emily Franeta Galston Foundation Ketchum, Inc. Michael’s on East Gourmet Group Virginia A. Miller Kenneth & Myra Monfort Charitable Foundation, Inc. The New YYork Times Company Foundation, Inc. Northern Trust Bank of Florida Pat Carlton Construction, Inc. Dr. Alan Jon Smally and Dr. Sharon K. Pool Rabow Communication Arts Reliant Energy Foundation Mr. and Mrs. John Renaldi The ROS Foundation The Tillie Jennie & Harold Schwartz Foundation, Inc. Smith Barney Wallace M. Waddell Albert H. and Jane Wohlers Foundation Robert and Jeanne Zabelle Charitable Fund $2,500-$4,999 Abbott Laboratories RBC Centura Bank Joan Galvin and Jim Brown Susan Carr and Raegen Carr Mr. and Mrs. Howard C. Cobin Mr. and Mrs. G. James Creighton Custom Colors Powder Coatings Dolphin Aviation, Inc. John Henry Dorminy Foundation, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Paul F. Eckel Mr. and Mrs. John Enander Historic TTours of America Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, imm, Furen & Ginsburg, PP.A. Mr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Johnson Kirk-Pinkerton, PP.A. Jean Maguire Mr. and Mrs. Kevin McCormack Mr. and Mrs. G. Lowe Morrison Northwest Marine TTechnology Carole Pauly Paver Systems Reed Mariculture, Inc. Rocky Ross Sara Bay Marina Sarasota Herald-Tribune Peggy J. Sears Dr. and Mrs. H.A. Seider, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jay Stackig SunTrust Bank Tropicana Products, Inc. Underseas, Inc. James and Erika Waldron Williams, Parker, Harrison, Dietz & Getzen Willis A. Smith Construction $1,000-$2,499 1800Endoscope.com LLC Anonymous
David Altman Foundation Art & Frame of Sarasota Mr. and Mrs. E.W. Armstrong Badcock Home Furnishings Baker & Co., Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Baumann City of Holmes Beach Mr. and Mrs. Steve Belack Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Bell Franklin G. Berlin Foundation, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Bernhard Jeff Brinkerhoff David Brittain Mr. and Mrs. Ken Bussard Marina Liem and Alex Cannon Mr. and Mrs. Ronald D. Ciaravella The Casey Key Foundation, Inc. Vera Cash Foundation, Inc. Coastal Chemical & Paper Supply Computerized Aircraft Maintenance Systems Deborah M. Cooley Charitable Trust Jane T. and Robert V. Corning Fund Cowles Charitable Trust Mr. and Mrs. Ken Cox Lt. Gen. and Mrs. Howard G. Crowell, Jr. (Ret.) Crystal Springs Petra A. Cunningham Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Dow Dr. Sylvia Earle Richard E. Ehlis Mr. and Mrs. Douglas C. Elder Fergeson, Skipper Skipper, Shaw, Keyser Keyser, Baron & Tirabassi, PP.A. Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Finzel First State Bank Samuel Fowler Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Frazer Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Frerer Edith Gardner Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Gibbs Jane Graham-Hyslop Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice Coral Gwyn-Williams Jean P. Hendry Horizon Distribution, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hunt Mr. and Mrs. Jeff S. Hunt Independent Charities of America Ervin Johnson, Jr. Richard P. Kahn Kennedy Electric Mr. and Mrs. John Lamoureux LaserSoft Imaging, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Allan L. Levey Levin, TTannenbaum, Wolff, Band, Gates & Pugh, PP.A. Dr. and Mrs. Carlyle A. Luer Richard E. LLyke Charitable Trust Dr. and Mrs. Kumar Mahadevan Jean Cho and David Mankoff Marine Concepts Maj. Gen. and Mrs. Raymond E. Mason (Ret.) Joe McClash The Honorable and Mrs. Cornelius McGillicuddy Dr. and Mrs. Harvey Mendelow Ted C. Merritt The Honorable and Mrs. F. Daniel Miller Mr. and Mrs. James A. Mitchell Mosaic New Atmosphere Productions Mr. and Mrs. Richard Nimtz Mr. and Mrs. Fred Nobel Jeff B. Parker Mr. and Mrs. Lee Peakes Pfizer Foundation Volunteer Program Barbara L. Piper R. and M. Foundation Trust
RBC Centura Bank Regan Insurance RIGSA RIGSAVER Mr. and Mrs. Dana R. Robes Mr. and Mrs. Dean E. Rollings, Jr. Sam’s Club #4772 Sam’s Club #8201 Sarasota Bay Parrot Head Club, Inc. SeaSide Garden Retreat Mr. and Mrs. Harry R. Silverglide Mr. and Mrs. Peter Smith Elizabeth B. Stadler LaVerne Stellas Mr. and Mrs. Bayne Stevenson Sweetwater Kayaks Outdoor Center Vantage Consulting, Inc. Janet B. Walsh Gigi Wegner Mr. and Mrs. R. Elton White The Whitlock Group Wyman, Green and Blalock, Inc. Marcia John and Lincoln Zweig $500-$999 The Academy at Ocean Reef William F. Alexander, IV Anderson Industrial Equipment Anonymous June Apisdorf Linda Mecke Aronson The Atlantis Furniture Co. Mr. and Mrs. Donald G. Baker Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Bavaria Chris and Dick Bayles Benchmark Blueprinting, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. William G. Bird Mr. and Mrs. Arthur D. Bissell, III Mr. and Mrs. Walter C. Bladstrom BoldWater, Inc. Anna Bracken Dr. and Mrs. Glenn L. Bredemeyer Dr. Lisa Brewer Mr. and Mrs. Abbott Buegeleisen Mr. and Mrs. Keith Calleja Caroline Cannarile Mike Carter Construction, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Roger A. Chrisman Aleta D. Chrisman Hera Konstantinou and Dr. Joseph Cozzi Peggie Crawley Crystal Mesa Farms Lissy Dickens Mr. and Mrs. George W. Dietrich Mr. and Mrs. Bob Dods Mr. and Mrs. John C. Doremus, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Steven Drell Drew Ericksen Essay Marine, Inc. Exel International, Inc. Fabulous Faux Jewelry Company Mr. and Mrs. Donald O. Featherman Fifth Third Bank Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Flannery, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Edward H. Foss, Jr. Friends of Animals Foundation Garden Argosy, Inc. Janet E. Goettle Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Gold Grabill Painting & Drywall, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Goss Dorothy Greenlee Mr. and Mrs. John Hager Mr. and Mrs. John O. Hanna, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth D. Henson Mr. and Mrs. William J. Hill Shiela Hingorani
Mr. and Mrs. Dieter Hoehn The Home Depot, Key West, Florida Laura Breeze and Van Huff Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hulswit David Janes Dr. and Mrs. Albert G. Joerger Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Keil Keith’s Marine Mr. and Mrs. James R. Lambie Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Leach Heather LeBlanc Lemon Bay High School Bernard Lewis Charitable Foundation The Honorable and Mrs. Gavin Litwiller Joyce W. Lockhart The Lombardo Foundation, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. J. Robert Long Alan L. Martin Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Marvel Mary’s On Main, Inc. Mazuri Foods Mr. and Mrs. Timothy I. McAllister Gladys McCallum Mr. and Mrs. Larry Merriman Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Messick Mote Marine Laboratory Volunteers Dr. and Mrs. John H. Muehlstein Mr. and Mrs. Norman Napier The Naples Daily News William T. Noll Mr. and Mrs. James W. Norris Mr. and Mrs. Randy Norton Vera C. Plescia Hannah and John Puckhaber Mr. and Mrs. David G. Pyle Mr. and Mrs. Norman Reiter Jay R. Rhoads, Jr. Martin D. & Barbara H. Rich Family Charitable Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Fred M. Richman Randall Rockel Mr. and Mrs. Jack W. Rynerson Mr. and Mrs. Matthew T. Ryson Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club Sarasota Family YMCA Dr. and Mrs. Edward M. Schaeffer Mr. and Mrs. Michael M. Scharf Mr. and Mrs. William Schmidt Alice M. Shaw Mr. and Mrs. Doug Siemon Margaret A. Smith Sam Snead’s Tavern Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. Sondgerath Sonotronics Paul C. Steinwachs Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stevenson Nancy C. Stockton Martha Wood Stouky Mr. and Mrs. Gene Stover John M. Strickland Summit Drilling Co., Inc. George A. Symanski, Jr. Tappan Nurseries, Inc. Henry & Marilyn Taub Foundation Mr.. and Mrs. James TToomey Dr. Ralph Trine and Dr. Sheri Trine John G. & Anna Maria Troiano Foundation Tropex Plant Sales United States Surgical VALIC Andrew Vac Remax Excellence Jann Warfi arfield Jane P. Watson Woodward Foundation Rafael Haddock and Catherine L. Wright Wyland Galleries Wyman Plumbing, Inc.