I N S P I R I N G T H E B R I G H T E S T. MINDS IN MARINE SCIENCE TO. TRANSFORM OUR WORLD.
M I S S I O N M O T E
M A R I N E
O F
L A B O R A T O R Y
To advance marine and environmental sciences through scientific research, education and public outreach, leading to new discoveries, revitalization and sustainability of our oceans, and greater public understanding of our marine resources. M O T E . O R G
THE 2020 VISION Mote Marine Laboratory will be a leader in nationally and internationally respected research programs relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity, healthy habitats and natural resources. Mote Marine Laboratory research programs will positively impact diverse public policy challenges through strong connections to public outreach and communications.
REALIZING THE VISION O U R
I D E A S
L I K E
T H E
O C E A N
M U S T
B E
E X P A N S I V E .
As an independent, nonprofit, mission-based marine science research institution, Mote Marine Laboratory has been working to explore, understand and unlock the mysteries of the sea to ensure our planet and its ocean resources are available for generations to come. Since Mote’s founding, its fundamental values have emphasized: • Leadership in marine resource conservation and enhancement; • Integrity and ethics in all endeavors; • Creativity, collegiality, collaboration and partnerships as essential components for achieving common goals; • Responsible stewardship of both natural resources and fiscal assets; • Service and education to our local, state, regional, national and international communities. Today, even as Mote Marine Laboratory remains steadfast and true to its mission, it faces a defining moment in its history and must address the challenges inherent in moving beyond its 60 years of dedicated service. Accordingly, the Mote Marine Laboratory Board of Trustees has endorsed the Laboratory’s first-ever, multi-year, comprehensive fundraising effort— Oceans of Opportunity: The Campaign for Mote Marine Laboratory. This campaign, which commences on Mote’s 60th anniversary, will raise $50 million in order to fulfill the 2020 Vision to ensure Mote Marine Laboratory’s future for generations to come.
A LEGACY OF SUCCESS T H A T
B E G A N
O F
Y O U N G
A
W I T H
T H E
P A S S I O N
S C I E N T I S T .
American ichthyologist, Dr. Eugenie Clark is known for her ground-breaking research on the biology and behavior of sharks. A pioneer with infectious passion for science, Dr. Clark has been fearlessly scuba diving in the pursuit of her research since the 1950s. In 1955, Dr. Clark caught the attention of philanthropist Anne Vanderbilt. After reading Dr. Clark’s book, Lady with a Spear, Vanderbilt became fascinated with the idea of partnering with Dr. Clark to create a small marine lab on Florida’s west coast. With passion, partnership with the community and the Vanderbilts’ philanthropic support, the newly created Cape Haze Marine Laboratory, later named Mote Marine Laboratory, soon became known as a vibrant classroom of the sea. Guided by Dr. Clark’s energy and enthusiasm for research and coupled with Anne and William Vanderbilt’s philanthropy and later the leadership of Mr. William R. Mote, Mote Marine Laboratory has evolved into an internationally recognized research institution. This evolution from a one-room lab to a global marine research powerhouse was only possible through the nurturing and embrace of the local community with its continued support and generosity over the last 60 years.
GREATNESS AWAITS JUST BENEATH THE SURFACE.
What began with one scientist has now become one of the largest leading independent marine laboratories in the world. Mote Marine Laboratory’s vision is to continue growing the impact of its research and education programs in the coming years, in line with its guiding 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan, and to remain a vital part of the community for decades to come. To lead new and transformative efforts in marine research, education and public outreach designed to address the grand challenges facing our oceans, Mote must grow by 2020 to exceed: • $25 million annual budget • 45 Ph.D. scientists • 200 total staff • 1,600 dedicated volunteers • 12,000 members/donors • 500,000 annual aquarium visitors • $100 million+ annual direct economic impact However, it is clear that Mote Marine Laboratory cannot fulfill its mission and achieve its 2020 vision alone. It will take a shared community commitment to achieve these critical goals to expand Mote’s impact for sciencebased conservation and sustainable use of the world’s marine resources.
Advancing Mote’s World-Class Research Enterprise
Advancing Mote’s Best and Brightest People
With 24 diverse research programs, Mote Marine Laboratory
Entrepreneurial scientific spirit is at the heart of Mote
is, above all else, a marine science research institute focused
Marine Laboratory’s culture. It is the catalyst for our
on pushing the frontiers of science and addressing the grand
effectiveness, and is critical for attracting high-quality
challenges currently facing our oceans, as well as identifying
scientists and team members.
and addressing those of the future.
As an independent and non-profit institution not affiliated
Support for advancing Mote’s potential in transformative
with any university or governmental agency, Mote scientists
research is vital to unlocking solutions to some of today’s
must seek their own funding to cover their research
most daunting global challenges. Investment in Mote Marine
expenses, salaries and benefits. As government grants
Laboratory fuels its ability to passionately pursue research
for ocean and coastal science rapidly diminish, annual
all around the world in order to:
costs for scientific research continue to increase. This new
• Conserve the precious natural resources of our oceans, which are connected to each and every person on the planet • Restore coral reefs, the rainforests of the sea, in our lifetime • Develop human cancer therapies and new drugs to fight deadly bacteria • Provide rapid responses in times of marine ecological emergencies and disasters
reality makes the importance of individual, foundation and corporate philanthropy critical in continuing to expand and strengthen our unique and impactful science establishment. To ensure the long-term prosperity of Mote’s research enterprise, essential support for its scientists, aquarium biologists and educators is imperative. By securing robust philanthropic support, Mote Marine Laboratory can enable these professionals the opportunity to do what they do best discover, innovate, educate and solve world problems.
• Restore and improve sustainable use of fish populations
Philanthropic gifts of support will allow Mote to attract,
• Develop environmentally friendly sustainable
nurture and retain the very best and brightest scientists,
aquaculture to help feed the world • Serve as first responders to sick or injured sea turtles, dolphins and whales • Educate our children and enhance the overall level of ocean literacy of the broader public • Share the science that will help protect the marine environment and improve the quality of our lives and those of future generations For Mote Marine Laboratory to fully realize its vision as a comprehensive and integrated enterprise with research, innovation and education programs that are among the most creative, impactful and fruitful in the world, it needs to significantly increase its foundation of stable and reliable financial resources.
aquarium biologists and educators by providing them the gifts of: • Time • Creativity • Security • Discovery • Agility • Innovation • and Mentoring the Next Generation of scientists and students.
Advancing Mote Marine Laboratory’s Local and Global Impact Since Mote Marine Laboratory opened its doors, it has welcomed and supported thousands of young researchers as they investigate marine ecosystems, unleashing their scientific passion for the betterment of us all. In addition, we welcome nearly 400,000 children and adults to the Mote Aquarium annually - many attending special programs that help them discover the beauty of the underwater world and the importance of conserving our aquatic treasures. With school programs that include teacher professional training, field trips, high school internships, summer camps, home school programs and digital learning, Mote Marine Laboratory’s science education goes beyond our Sarasota footprint and has worldwide resonance. A highly competitive college internship program funded by the National Science Foundation further validates Mote’s significance with hundreds of college students each year vying for limited opportunities to be mentored and guided by Mote Marine Laboratory scientists. Through regional, national and international partnerships, Mote Marine Laboratory’s research is making transformative impacts on a global scale. Mote scientists serve as diplomats for marine research around the world. Mote Marine Laboratory’s global impact and vision can only be realized through philanthropy.
BIG. BOLD. IDEAS. A
C O M M I T M E N T I N S P I R A T I O N
T O
A N D
D I S C O V E R Y, T H E
S E A .
Secure the Future Inadequate endowed resources leave the continued
Strengthen Mote’s Research & Operations
independence of Mote Marine Laboratory dangerously
Annual giving enhances every aspect of Mote’s research
dependent upon diminishing governmental funding and
and operations enterprise. Donors that provide annual gifts
vulnerable to economic fluctuations of annual revenue
help to create a margin of excellence that can be realized
sources. Mote has no state-funded tenured faculty positions
in the laboratory field offices, at the Aquarium, on marine
nor guaranteed government lines for funding. For the
vessels and in the lives of the hundreds of thousands
future, a robust Mote endowment is required to provide
of children and adults who benefit from this renowned
financial stability through times of economic uncertainty.
community resource each year.
The most important resource for any laboratory are
Mote Marine Laboratory’s annual giving program, which
passionate and gifted scientists who will tackle the most
supports the laboratory’s operational budget each and
critical and innovative research.
every year, must be strengthened so that Mote scientists, educators and aquarium biologists can:
It is therefore vital that a portion of Mote Marine Laboratory’s endowment provide the financial resources
• Significantly expand the level and impact of
to support opportunities for professional growth, reward exceptional performance and establish compensation levels that ensure Mote’s capacity to attract, nurture and retain the very best and brightest minds possible.
transformative research • Deliver important cultural, scientific and educational benefits to the local and global community • Expand the level of ocean literacy of nearly 400,000 visitors each year to Mote Aquarium
The plan to grow the endowment includes:
• Enhance the experience at Mote Aquarium by adding 20 interactive informal science education stations
• Seven two-year Post-doctoral Fellowships for Rising Stars: The Next Generation of Researchers • Fifteen Awards of 25% Salary Support: Scholarly and Service Activities for early and mid-career Staff Scientists
• Increase the total number of participants in education programs to 35,000+ annually • Respond to the environmental challenges facing our oceans in the 21st century. The generosity from individuals, Mote Members,
• Five three-year Awards of 50% Salary Support:
corporations and families through annual giving serves as
Senior Eminent Scholar Program Recipients
the outward demonstration of solidarity and support — a
• Support of Professional Development Opportunities.
statement of endorsement — to Mote Marine Laboratory scientists, educators and aquarium biologists who tirelessly dedicate themselves each year to this vital work.
THE TIME IS NOW T O
C R E A T E
A
T I D A L
W A V E
O F
S U P P O R T .
Build An Outstanding Capital Resource for Science Mote Marine Laboratory has a critical need to expand the infrastructure and operations of its Tropical Research Laboratory campus in the Florida Keys. This hotbed of marine science, education and conservation is addressing some of the most pressing ocean challenges of our day — particularly the global threats facing coral reefs — while also hosting scientists and students from many nations. Coral reefs, which support up to 40 percent of marine life on Earth and provide $6.3 billion to Florida’s economy, are threatened worldwide by ocean acidification and temperature increases, pollution, disease and more. In 2014 alone, 20 coral species were newly declared “threatened” by the federal government — including five species found in the Florida Keys. For these reasons, the demand for Mote’s work has never been greater. Our scientists lead groundbreaking studies of ocean acidification, and coral diseases, and they have developed innovative methods to restore our coral reefs in our lifetime. With the pivotal challenges facing coral and the global interest in Mote’s work, we stand at a critical juncture where philanthropic support matters more than ever.
The Mote research facilities in the Florida Keys are approximately 50 years old and must be replaced with a planned state-of-the-art and environmentally sustainable LEED-certified research and education facility. The new facility will more than double research and education space and include: • Advanced technology laboratories • Environmental control rooms • New seawater systems • Mesocosm experimental tanks and instrumentation to support diverse fields of marine science studies • Much needed dormitories, offices, classrooms, meeting rooms and full communication connectivity.
T H E B Y
S T R E N G T H I T S
F O R C E .
O F
A
A N D
W A V E I T S
I S
M E A S U R E D
I M P A C T .
In its 60 years of service, Mote Marine Laboratory has made a significant impact. Mote has: • Provided the platform for Dr. Eugenie Clark to follow her passion for science, uncover new information and inspire us all to protect and conserve our shared oceans; • Served as one of the vital ecological first responders to the environmental disaster of the BP oil blowout; • Designed a red tide detector and monitoring system to provide our coastal communities with an early warning of red tides, helping to protect public health and public resources; • Created innovative sustainable aquaculture technologies to help feed the world; • Developed methods to resurrect coral reefs from death; • Brought pioneering research to the brink of discovering potential new human cancer therapies from sharks and new antibiotics from rays; • Created a place for our children and grandchildren to learn about our marine environment and its importance to our planet; • Grown into a unique institution that nurtures the next generation of scientists, inspires them to help solve the most pressing environmental challenges facing our oceans and have them grow into the future leaders of marine research.
THE OPPORTUNITY T O G E T H E R
W E
C A N
M O V E
O C E A N S .
A total Oceans of Opportunity Campaign investment of
Mote Marine Laboratory is at a critical juncture in our
$50 million is essential to fulfill the visionary plan securing
history. The grand challenges facing our oceans are
the future independence and global impact of Mote Marine
enormous and the investment needed to understand, restore
Laboratory for the communities and families we serve.
and protect them is no less significant.
Realizing this goal and strengthening our ability to make a difference cannot be achieved alone, and will require the continued commitments of individual philanthropists, foundations, corporations, members and friends of Mote.
A horizon lies before us for a truly transformational opportunity to secure a future that will last for generations to come for our unique institution to continue addressing these global issues. The historic success of Mote and its future
The Oceans of Opportunity Campaign began with
independence in leading marine science rely in great part
the Mote Board of Trustees and campaign leaders — who
on philanthropy and community partnership as fuel for the
set a challenging pace by committing their own generous
passion of our research and education enterprise.
gifts and pledges before reaching out to the community for help.
We Cannot Achieve This Vision Alone.
As we launch Mote’s Oceans of Opportunity
Your Support Is Needed.
Campaign in 2015, we are excited and profoundly grateful to have already secured donations and commitments of over $30 million towards our goal of $50 million by the end of 2015. These exemplary contributions provide a generous benchmark for supporters to consider as they are invited to invest in the future of Mote Marine Laboratory. Throughout our history, Mote research has helped to protect and save endangered species and their habitats, solve emerging ocean-related problems and educate millions of children, adults and policy makers about conserving and sustainably using our precious marine resources.
P L E A S E
J O I N
U S .
M O T E . O R G
M O T E M A R I N E L A B O R AT O RY & AQ UA R I U M 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236. (941) 388-4441 A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.