Mote Magazine, Spring 2014

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I N S I D E M OT E M AG A Z I N E Calendar

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Leatherback Eating Habits

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Hybrid Dolphin Species

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When Animals Strand

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Shark Sensations

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Tea for the Sea

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Make Waves: Join Our Annual Fund

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Breakfast of Champions

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Issues & Impacts

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S U M MtoE the R Sea 2 0 Connecting

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SPECIAL EVENTS Mote 2014 Events Calendar MOTE MAGAZINE n A unique mission.

Mote (ISSN is MOTEMagazine MAGAZINE n A1553-1104) unique mission. published by Mote Marine Laboratory, Mote Magazine (ISSN 1553-1104) is apublished nonprofitby organization dedicated to Mote Marine Laboratory, today’s research for tomorrow’s oceans. a nonprofit organization dedicated to By telling the stories of sea science, Mote today’s research for tomorrow’s oceans. hopes to enhance public understanding By telling the stories of sea science, Mote of marine research public and conservation. hopes to enhance understanding

of marine research and conservation.

PRESIDENT & CEO PRESIDENT & CEO Michael P. Crosby, Ph.D., FLS Michael P. Crosby, Ph.D. EDITOR EDITOR Nadine Slimak Nadine Slimak WRITERS WRITERS Hayley Rutger, Nadine Slimak Hayley Rutger, Nadine Slimak CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Hayley Rutger, Nadine Slimak, Madelaine Madelaine Verbeek, Hayley Rutger, Verbeek, Jeanette Wyneken of Florida Nadine University Slimak Atlantic

JUNE June 7: World Oceans Day Family Festival in The Aquarium at Mote Marine Laboratory. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Celebrate our world ocean with a day of games and crafts focused on green practices, marine science and conservation by Mote and other local organizations. FREE with admission.

SEPTEMBER Sept. 14: Survivors: Beautiful and Extreme Adaptations special exhibit CLOSES.

OCTOBER Oct. 17: Fish, Fun & Fright. 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in The Aquarium at Mote. Join us for aforfamily-friendly evening of sailing the the spooky seasseas andand discovering creatures from a family-friendly evening of sailing spooky discovering creatures from the deep in a safe and fun trick-or-treating zone. Ticket price to be announced.

(Ticket cost to be announced.)

Oct. 25: Oceanic Evening. 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive. Join us to celebrate our oceans during our major annual fundraising event. Black-tie optional. Ticket price to be announced. announced..Tables/ Tables/ sponsorships available, call Stacy Alexander at 941.388.4441, ext. 509.

PUBLISHING PARTNER

Mote Magazine is proud to recognize as its its publishing publishing partner. partner.

Sarasota Magazine as For information on sponsorship, please at 941-487-1109.

941-487-1109. contact Sarasota Magazine at

SUMMER 2014 • VOLUME SPRING/SUMMER 2014 • VOLUME 67 67 INFO: 941-388-4441 • MOTE.ORG

COVER PHOTO

COVER PHOTO

Mote Aquarium Mote Aquarium Venue Rentals Venue Rentals Call Paula Clark Call Paula Clark for details: for details:

(941) 388-2252 (941)or388-2252 e-mail How sharks sharks use use their theirsenses senses to tofind findprey prey How depends on on the the species. species. This This isis aa nurse nurse shark, shark, depends Ginglymostoma cirratum. cirratum.

Ginglymostoma

or e-mail pclark@mote.org. pclark@mote.org.

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MoteMa

AMID CLINKING TEACUPS, FINGER SANDWICHES and hats of all colors, the word was spreading: “Mote Marine Laboratory rocks!” said Dr. Sylvia Earle, world-famous oceanographer who spoke at Mote’s Tea for the Sea, which launched the Women’s Giving Circle to unite women in philanthropy for the pursuit of science.

Weighing in at about 1,000 pounds, Weighing in at about 1,000 pounds, adult leatherback sea turtles are the adult leatherback sea turtles are the Volkswagen Beetles of the sea.

Volkswagen Beetles of the sea.

You’d think that such a large You’d think that such a large animal would eat, well, animal would eat, well, a lot. All the time. a lot. All the time.

But new Mote research But new Mote research indicates that might not be indicates that might not be the case. the case.

Earle’s enthusiasm drew applause from the 150 attendees at the Longboat Key Club’s Harbourside Dining Room. Guests mingled with Mote scientists and Trustees like Earle and her famous mentor, Mote Founder Dr. Eugenie Clark, who started the Lab in 1955 thanks to the philanthropy of Anne Vanderbilt and her husband.

Giving back to the ocean is vital — and supporting Mote’s mission is a clear path to accomplish that, said Kimberley Carreiro, Chair of Tea for the Sea. “Mote scientists are engaged in research to improve nearly every aspect of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf. Support for Mote helps ensure that Sarasota remains the absolute paradise it is today.”

Tea for the Sea Chair Kimberley Carreiro and Mote Founder Dr. Eugenie Clark.

To join the Women’s Giving Circle at Mote, contact Jennifer Vigne at 941-388-4441, ext. 393, or jvigne@mote.org.

E

By Hayley Rutger

By Hayley Rutger

“I COULD HAVE BEEN A CONTENDER”

ARTH’S LARGEST sea ARTH’S LARGEST sea turtle species — the turtle species — the leatherback — sure has leatherback — sure has

By Hayley Rutger some interesting eating some interesting eating

By Hayley Rutger habits. habits.

suggested that leatherbacks nesting in suggested that are leatherbacks nesting French Guiana fasting and living in on

Their preferred prey is Their preferred prey is jellyfish — nature’s jellyfish — nature’s low-calorie Jell-O — but low-calorie Jell-O of — but they eat enough they eat enough of them to powerNCaH migration thousands of 0 PO UN D PU PA CK S A 20 them to power migration thousands miles long, froma feeding grounds to of hrimpfeeding grounds to S tis miles long, from an M k oc nesting beaches. Scientists initially believed Peac nesting beaches. initially believed the turtles had to Scientists feed at their nesting sites SUPPORT PROVIDED BY: the turtles had to feed at their nesting too, but recent physiology research hassites too, but recent physiology research has

immune processes.function and other body processes.

French Guiana Blood are fasting and transport living on stored energy. proteins stored energy. Blood proteins lipids, hormones, vitamins andtransport metals in lipids, hormones, vitamins in the circulatory system and and helpmetals to regulate the circulatory system to regulate immune function and and otherhelp body

to date to confirm that another population to date to confirm thatVirgin another population at St. Croix in the U.S. Islands fasts at St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands fasts while nesting. while nesting.

This new study strengthens the emerging This new strengthens emerging picture of study the leatherback lifethe cycle and picture of the leatherback life cyclemay and shows how fasting and migration shows how fasting and migration may affect the turtles’ bodies. These findings

affect thevital turtles’ bodies. for These findings provide information resource New research — the largest-ever study of SURVIVORS THE EXHIBIT FEBfor 1–SEPT provide vital information resource managers seeking to protect this 14 New research largest-ever blood proteins—inthe leatherbacks — study led byofa OPEN managers seeking to protect this EVERY DAY 10AM–5PM MOTE.ORG endangered species. blood proteinsand in leatherbacks led by a Mote scientist published in—the endangered species.

Mote scientist and published in the “It’s important to know where and when peer-reviewed journal Conservation “It’s importantare to getting know where and when peer-reviewed journal Conservation leatherbacks their energy and Physiology, used the most detailed

are getting their energy and Physiology, used the mostindetailed 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway,leatherbacks Sarasota, FL 34236using analysis of blood proteins leatherbacks how they’re it — that has bearing on analysis of blood proteins in leatherbacks how they’re using it — that has bearing on

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A female leatherback sea turtle uses her flippers to cover up her nest.

A female leatherback sea turtle uses her flippers to cover up her nest.

© Jeanette Wyneken/Florida Atlantic University © Jeanette Wyneken/Florida Atlantic University

which threats they face and when they which threats they facesaid andDr.when are most vulnerable,” Justinthey are mostavulnerable,” said Dr. Justin Perrault, Mote Marine Laboratory Perrault, a Mote Marine Laboratory Postdoctoral Research Fellow. Perrault Postdoctoral Fellow.

Perrault led the studyResearch as a doctoral student at led the study as a doctoral student at Florida Atlantic University with Florida Atlantic University with collaborators from the University of collaborators from the University of Georgia.

Georgia.

The researchers collected 217 blood The researchers 217 blood samples from 76collected leatherbacks that samples ashore from 76 that in crawled toleatherbacks nest during 2009 crawled ashore to nest during 2009 St. Croix, after their migration from in St. Croix,grounds after their migration feeding in the North from Atlantic. feeding grounds in the North Atlantic.

The scientists separated out the serum The scientists separated out the serum — the liquid surrounding blood cells — — theanalyzed liquid surrounding blood cells — and it for proteins called and analyzed for proteins called albumins and itglobulins.

Their results albumins and globulins.

Their results revealed the total amount of proteins, revealed the total of and proteins, the percentage of amount each type the the percentage of each type and the ratio of albumins to globulins. These ratio of albumins to globulins.

These measures help reveal whether the turtles measures help reveal whether theand turtles are feeding, how healthy they are are feeding, how healthy they are and whether they have problems like injuries whether they have problems like injuries or inflammation. or inflammation.

The total amount of protein in the The total amount of protein the turtles’ blood declined duringinnesting turtles’ blood declined nesting season, suggesting thatduring the turtles were season, suggesting that the turtles were

eating little to nothing – they were eating to nothing – they burninglittle through fat stores andwere beginning burning through fat stores and beginning to use up their bodies’ protein for to use up their bodies’ protein for energy. energy.

Female leatherbacks eat about 730 Female leatherbacks about pounds of jellyfish pereat day while730 they are pounds of jellyfish per day while they are at their foraging grounds. Now it appears at their foraging grounds.

Now it appears that they store this energy for long that theyand store energy long periods usethis it to makefor migrations periods and use it to make migrations back to their nesting grounds every two back to their to three years.nesting grounds every two to three years.

“It had been debated for years whether “It had been debated forfeed yearsat whether leatherbacks needed to the leatherbacks needed to feed at past the nesting ground, and within the nesting ground, and thetopast decade, evidence haswithin started decade, evidence has started to species accumulate that most sea turtle accumulate that most sea turtle species are fasting or feeding very little while are fasting or feeding very littlethat while nesting — our study confirms pattern nesting — our study confirms that for this population,” Perrault said. pattern for this population,” Perrault said.

The researchers also found that many The researchers also found that many turtles stopped nesting when their total turtles stopped nesting when their total proteins hit a certain low point. “This proteins hit a certain low point.

“This protein ‘threshold’ could be an important proteinfor ‘threshold’ could be an important signal researchers to use in the future signal for researchers to use in the — it could allow us to know from future — it could allow us to know from and bloodwork that nesting is ending bloodwork that nesting endingPerrault and feeding is ready to start isagain,” feeding is ready to start again,” Perrault

said. “It’s exciting to find physiological said.

“It’s that exciting to to find changes relate thephysiological turtles’ changes that turtles’ behavior — it relate allowstousthe to understand behavior — it allows us to understand what they’re doing in the water even if what they’re doing in them the water we can only observe for aeven shortif we can them for a short time on only land.observe ” time on land.”

Another intriguing finding was that Another intriguing wassystem that proteins that signifyfinding immune proteinsstarted that signify immune system activity out high and decreased activity out high and decreased over thestarted nesting season. over the nesting season.

“We think that leatherbacks might be “We thinktothat leatherbacks might be exposed all kinds of pathogens on the exposed to all kinds of pathogens the journey to their nesting beach, andon this journey to their beach, andseason this could mean theynesting start the nesting couldanmean start the nesting with activethey immune system thatseason with an active immune system naturally declines as they nest,”that Perrault naturally declines as they nest,”over Perrault said. “But some of the decline the said. “But some of relate the decline over the season might also to man-made season might also relate to ”man-made pollutants in coastal waters. pollutants in coastal waters.”

During the study, an oil refinery was During theinstudy, an oil refinery was operating the area, producing operating in the area, producing contaminants that could have affected contaminants that could have Perrault affected the turtles’ immune systems, the turtles’ immune Perrault said.

The refinery hassystems, since closed, but said.

The refinery has since closed, Perrault suggests that future studiesbut Perrault suggeststhe thatpossible future studies should examine immune should of examine the possible effects contaminants moreimmune closely. effects of contaminants more closely.

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JUSTIN PERRAULT JUSTIN PERRAULT Mote Postdoctoral Fellowships, Mote Postdoctoral supported through Fellowships, philanthropic supported through philanthropic donations, are offered

by Mote to donations, are offered

by Mote to support young researchers doing support young researchers doing outstanding work early in their careers. outstanding work early in their careers.

Justin Perrault, 29, developed his passion Justin Perrault, 29,grew developed his passion for animals as he up in Memphis, for animals as he grew up in Memphis, Tenn., in a home where strays were Tenn., in a home wheremade straysgood were welcomed and snakes welcomed and snakes made good neighbors. “My parents were constantly neighbors.

“My that parents were constantly taking in strays would magically show taking in strays that would magically show up at our door step — I think the animals up at our door step — I think the animals knew we were suckers for that sort of knew we suckers sort of thing.

Theywere really had a for lot that of compassion thing.

They really had a lot of compassion for just about every animal… I was never for just about animal…

I was never allowed to kill every spiders in the house; I had allowed to kill spiders themom house; I had to bring them outside.inMy to bring them outside.

Myyard, mom welcomed snakes in the too. This is welcomed snakes in the yard, too.

This is definitely where I developed my passion definitely where developed my apassion for animals and, Iwith that, came natural for animals and, with that, came a natural interest in learning more about them. ” interest in learning more about them.”

A trip to Mexico, where he watched a A trip to Mexico, where he drew watched green sea turtle nest, only hima green sea turtle nest, only drew more. “I remember thinking howhim big it more.

“I remember how it up was and how hard itthinking had to be tobig crawl was and how hard it had to be to crawl up

the beach using only its front flippers. I the beach usingpiqued only itsmy front flippers.

I think this really interest further think piquedscience. my interest further in thethis fieldreally of marine ” in the field of marine science.”

After their first marine biology course at AfterUniversity their first of marine course at the Northbiology Carolina, the Universitymany of North Carolina,peers Wilmington, of Perrault’s Wilmington, manyNot of Perrault’s changed majors. him. “Afterpeers that class, changed majors.

Not him.

“After class, I knew that I was in the right field.that I was I knew fascinated that I was in thethe right field. I was always with different always fascinated with the different aspects of biological sciences.

I even took aspects of biological sciences. even took chemistry courses that weren’tI required for chemistry courses that weren’t required fun. It was very early on that I decided for fun. It waswas very early thatfor I decided research the rightonpath me.” research was the right path for me.”

Perrault received his Ph.D. from Florida Perrault received his from Florida on Atlantic University andPh.D. today is focused Atlantic University and today is focused toxicology and health of marine animals,on toxicology andfocus healthonofmarine marineturtles, animals, with a current with a current focus on marine especially in understanding theirturtles, toxin especially in understanding their loads and how these loads affecttoxin nesting loads andOne howquestion these loads success. he’daffect like tonesting answer: success.

Onemore question he’d like toofanswer: “Are reptiles or less tolerant toxins “Are reptiles more or less tolerant than other vertebrate species and of dotoxins their than other vertebrate species and do current toxicologic loads pose a threattheir to current toxicologic loads pose a threat to their health and survival?” their health and survival?”

And what has been his most interesting And what has been Ithishappened most interesting experience to date? during his experience to date?

It happened during his doctoral research in St. Croix, which hosts doctoral research St. Croix, which the largest nestinginaggregation of hosts the largest nesting aggregation of leatherback sea turtles in the U.S. leatherback sea turtles in the U.S. “Many of the biologists on the staff would “Many of the biologistsour onhourly the staff would take naps in between patrols if takedid naps between our we notinencounter any hourly turtles patrols during if we did not encounter any Iturtles the previous patrol. Once, woke during up from the previous patrol.

Once, I woke from a nap and had three leatherbacksup digging atheir napnest andchambers had threeall leatherbacks digging around me. Keep their nestthese chambers all around me.6Keep in mind creatures are about feet in mind about 6pounds. feet long andthese weighcreatures upwardsare of 1,000 long and weigh upwards of 1,000 pounds.

It was pretty remarkable to have an animal Itthat was pretty have an—animal many callremarkable Earth’s lasttodinosaur that many call have Earth’sbeen last dinosaur these animals around for— about thesemillion animals have aroundme for about 100 years — been surrounding on all 100 million years — surrounding me on all sides and doing what they’ve been doing sides and doing what they’ve been doing for their entire existence. I was on their for theirMorale entire existence. on their beach. could oftenI was get low after beach.upon Morale could often lowdays after of hours hours and daysget upon hours upon hours and days upon days of field research; however, it was rare field research; however, it was rare experiences like these that made it all experiences Very like these that made all to worthwhile. few people ever itget worthwhile.seeing Very few peoplesea everturtle, get tolet experience a nesting experience a nesting turtle, alone three seeing leatherbacks at asea time.

It is let alone three leatherbacks at a time.

It isto definitely something that will be hard definitely something that will be hard to top. ” top.”

HYBRID HYBRID DOLPHIN DOLPHIN SPECIES SPECIES DISCOVERED DISCOVERED A study published this year on the A study published year onsleek the clymene dolphin, athis small and clymene dolphin, a small and sleek marine mammal found in the tropical marine mammalwaters foundof in the the Atlantic tropical and subtropical and subtropical of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf waters of Mexico, shows that Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, shows this species arose through natural that this species arose through hybridization between two natural closely related hybridization between two closely related dolphin species.

The finding, published dolphin species.journal The finding, in the scientific PLOS published ONE, is the in journal PLOS ONE, is the firstthe to scientific document natural hybridization in first to document natural hybridization in a marine mammal species. a marine mammal species.

The classification of the clymene dolphin The long classification of the clymene dolphin has been a challenge to has long been a challenge to taxonomists, who initially considered the taxonomists, who initially considered clymene to be a subspecies of the the clymenedolphin. to be a In subspecies of the spinner 1981, thorough spinner dolphin.

In 1981, thorough it as morphological analyses established morphological analyses a distinct species.

In the established latest study,it as aresearchers distinct species.

In the latest study, from the Wildlife researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society, the American Conservation Society,History’s the American Museum of Natural Sackler Museum of Natural History’s Sackler the Institute for Comparative Genomics, Institute for Comparative Genomics, University of Lisbon and Mote Marinethe University ofsought Lisbontoand Mote Marine Laboratory, clarify outstanding Laboratory,about sought clarify outstanding questions thetodolphin’s origin and questions about the dolphin’s origin and relationships through genetic analyses. relationships through genetic analyses.

Study co-author Gretchen Lovewell, Study co-author Gretchen Lovewell, Manager of Mote’s Stranding Manager of Mote’s Stranding Investigation Program, provided data, Investigation provided skin samples Program, and dolphin skulls data, from the skin samples and dolphin skulls from the Lab’s extensive Ruth DeLynn Cetacean Lab’s extensive Ruth DeLynn Cetacean Osteological Collection, an accredited Osteological Collection, accredited collection of dolphin andanwhale bones. collection of dolphin and whale The clymene bones came from abones.

1995 The bones cameSprings, from a 1995 massclymene stranding in Tarpon Fla. mass stranding in Tarpon Springs, Fla. In a molecular analysis including the In a molecular analysis and including the closely related spinner striped closely related spinner and striped dolphins, scientists concluded that the dolphins, dolphin scientists the clymene is concluded the productthat of natural clymene dolphin is the product of natural hybridization, a process that is more hybridization, a process thatand is more common for plants, fishes birds, but common for plants, fishes and birds, but quite rare in mammals. quite rare in mammals.

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SCIENCE SPOTLIGHT: SCIENCE SPOTLIGHT: When Animals Strand When Animals Strand

By Nadine Slimak

By Nadine Slimak

In Januar y, Mote’s Stranding In Januar y, responded Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program to two Investigations Program to two mass strandings of pilotresponded whales in Collier massLee strandings pilot five whales and counties.ofOver days,in Collier and Lee counties.

Overreported five days,off Marco stranded whales were stranded whales were reported Island and Lovers Key State Park.offInMarco all, Island and Lovers Keythree Stateremained Park. In all, 37 whales died and 37 whales died unaccounted for.and three remained unaccounted for.

Coming on the heels of a mass stranding Coming on the of a massinstranding of 51 whales in heels the Everglades of 51 whales in the Everglades in December, this event drew national December, this event drew national interest. Mote Magazine asked Stranding interest. Mote Magazine asked Stranding Program Manager Gretchen Lovewell to Program Manager GretchentoLovewell tell us why Mote responds strandedto tell us why to during stranded animals andMote whatresponds happened this animals and what happened during this event. event.

Q: Two mass strandings… that’s a Q: mass strandings… that’s lot Two of whales.

Does it signal an a lot of whales.

Does it signal an increase in strandings? increase in strandings?

A: The stories about these stranded A: The groups stories received about these stranded whale so much attention whale groups received so much attention that it might seem like the number of that it might seem theup. number of stranded whales is like going But when stranded whales is going up.

But when we look at the records over the last 23 we look the records over19 themass last 23 years, weatactually find that years, we actually find reported that 19 mass strandings have been since strandings have been events reported since 1991.

Some of these were quite 1991.

Some of these events were large, with 20 to 40-plus animals. quite large, with 20 to 40-plus animals.

Q: Why do they strand?

Q: Why do they strand?

A: Aristotle actually wrote about a pilot A: Aristotle actually whale stranding andwrote we’veabout founda pilot whale stranding we’ve found in evidence of pilotand whales stranding evidence of pilot whales in mass groups in the fossil stranding record. Pilot mass groups in the fossil record.

Pilot whales are really interesting animals. whales are really animals.

They typically liveinteresting in large groups of up to They large groups of up to 50 oftypically animals live andinsometimes come 50 of animals and sometimes come together into large mating pods that can together into largeofmating pods thatform can include hundreds animals.

They includesocial hundreds animals.

They form strong bondsofand the groups tend strong bonds andare theagroups to sticksocial together.

There numbertend of to stick together.

There are a number of theories as to why these animals strand. theories as to why these animals strand.

One animal might be sick and swimming One animalwater; mightwhen be sick to shallow theand restswimming of that to shallow water; when the rest of that

animal’s group follows, they get caught in animal’splaces group they’re follows,not they get to caught in shallow used shallow places they’re not used to navigating and get into trouble navigating and get into themselves.

There couldtrouble also be viruses themselves.

There could also viruses or parasites affecting some of be these or parasites affecting some of these populations. populations.

Q: Why does Mote respond to Q: Why does Mote respond to stranded animals? stranded animals?

A: Stranding response really has a few A: Stranding response a few different purposes.

Thereally first, has when we different purposes.

The first, when we to find live animals, is to do what we can find live animals, is to do what we can to get those animals back to the wild. When thoseanimal animals back to wild. agetsingle strands, or the there areWhen asmaller single mass animalstrandings strands, or there are that of dolphins, smaller mass strandings of dolphins, might mean taking the animals for that might mean thehospital animalslike for those treatment at taking a special treatment at a special liketreat those at Mote where medicalhospital staff can the at Mote where medical staff can treat the animals with the ultimate goal to return animals the ultimate goal tobeen return them to with the wild.

In fact, we’ve able them to the In fact, been able to return 26 wild. dolphins andwe’ve 251 sea turtles to return 26 dolphins and 251 sea turtles to the wild after treatment in our Sarasota to the wild after treatment in our Sarasota hospitals. hospitals.

However, that’s just not possible for such However, that’s just not possible for of such large groups of animals.

In the case largepilot groups of animals. thetocase the whales, we first In tried herdofthe the pilot whales, we first tried to the animals back to the deeper waterherd they’re animals back to the deeper water they’re more accustomed to navigating. more accustomed to navigating.

Another reason we respond is in cases Another reasonare we very respond casesto where animals sick, is weinwant where animals are very sick, we want ease their suffering. Sometimes whento we easeclearly their suffering.

Sometimes when can see that an animal will not we can clearly that an euthanize animal willthem not survive, we see humanely survive, we humanely euthanize them and then try to learn as much as we can and then to animal learn aswas much about whytrythe sick.as we can about why the animal was sick.

The third, and most frequent reason we The third,isand mostwe frequent respond so that can do reason post- we respond examinations, is so that we can do necropsies, postmortem called mortem examinations, called necropsies, to better understand what happened. to better understand what happened.

Sometimes it’s clear — for instance in Sometimes it’sstrikes clear — instance in cases of boat or for entanglements, cases of boat strikes or that entanglements, we know pretty quickly an animal we know pretty quickly that animal died because it was tangled an in fishing died or because was tangled in fishing gear hit by ait boat. gear or hit by a boat.

But in other cases, like these pilot whales, But causes in otheraren’t cases,obvious. like these pilotofwhales, the Many these the causes aren’t obvious.

Many of these whales appeared to be in good health; whales appeared to be in good health; others did not, so it was really a mix of otherswe didfound. not, so it was really mix blood of what That’s why weatake whattissue we found.

That’s take blood and samples.

Wewhy takewe those and tissue samples. those samples back to the We lab take and analyze samples back to the lab and analyze them to look for diseases or parasites. them to look for diseases or parasites.

In the case of the pilot whales, we In the case of the pilot whales, we collected hundreds of samples and it collected hundreds of samples and it takes the patient application of good takes thetopatient application science get good results. of good science to get good results.

Q: So what made these animals Q: So what made these animals strand? strand?

A: We’re still looking for a smoking gun. It A: We’re stilltolooking smoking gun. takes time analyzefor all athe samples weIt takes time to analyze all the samples collected. The other difficulty is that we collected.

The other is thatto marine mammals aredifficulty very difficult marineinmammals are there’s very difficult to study the wild and a lot we study in the wild and there’s a lot we don’t know about their biological makeup don’t know about biological makeup and behaviors.

It’s their possible that we will and behaviors.

It’shappened. possible that we will never know what never know what happened.

Q: Who supports this work?

Q: Who supports this work?

A: That’s a good question. At Mote and A: That’s good question.

At Motethat and the otheranonprofit organizations the othertononprofit respond strandedorganizations animals, we that are respond to stranded are responsible for raisinganimals, our ownwefunding responsible for raising our own funding to support this work and we rely on to support thisdonations. work and For we instance, rely on philanthropic philanthropic donations.

For instance, Mote’s response to the stranded pilot Mote’s stranded pilot whales response added upto tothe more than $14,000. whales added up tostranding more than $14,000.

But that’s just one event that But that’sajust one stranding eventMy that received lot of public attention. received a lot of public attention.

My team and I are on call 24 hours a day, team on call 24 hourstoa reports day, sevenand daysI are a week to respond seven a week to respond to reports of sick,days injured and dead animals.

And, of sick,we injured animals. when find aand livedead animal in needAnd, of when we find a live animal in need treatment, we bring it to our animal of treatment, we bring it to ourhundreds animal to hospitals where it can cost hospitals where it canper cost hundreds thousands of dollars day to treat. to thousands of dollars per day to treat.

Q: How can the public help?

Q: How can the public help?

A: First: The public can learn what to do if A: First: Theupon publica can whatanimal. to do if they come sick learn or injured they come upon a sick or injured animal.

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A team of researchers from multiple organizations prepares to perform necropsies, or animal autopsies, on stranded pilot whales on Kice Island in Collier Countynecropsies, earlier this or year.

A team of researchers from multiple organizations prepares to perform animal autopsies, on stranded pilot whales on Kice Island in Collier County earlier this year.

• Do not push the animal back into the •water; Do not push thestranded animal back the they have for a into reason water; they have stranded for a reason and pushing them back into the water is and pushing them back into the water is both illegal (under the federal Marine both illegal (under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act) and will prevent Mammal Protection Act) and will the animal from receiving proper prevent care. the animal from receiving proper care.

• In Florida, contact the Florida Fish and • In Florida, contact the Florida Fishatand Wildlife Conservation Commission Wildlife Conservation Commission 888-404-FWCC. Or try the new at 888-404-FWCC. Or try “Dolphin the new and smartphone app called smartphone Whale 911.” app called “Dolphin and Whale 911.”

• Protect the animal from direct sun and •keep Protect animal with fromwet direct sun and skinthe protected towels, keep skin protected with wet towels, making sure to keep the area around the making sure to of keep the sand area or around the blowhole clear water, debris. blowhole clear of water, sand or debris.

• Keep pets away and avoid excessive •noise Keeporpets away and avoid excessive handling. noise or handling.

• To avoid injury to yourself, stay clear of •the To tail avoid to yourself, stayfrom clearaof andinjury observe the animal the tail and observe the animal from a safe distance until the appropriate experts safe distance until the experts arrive.

Even though theappropriate animal is probably arrive.remember Even though is probably sick, theythe areanimal wild animals and sick, remember they are wild animals and very strong. very strong.

Second: You can financially support these Second:byYou can financially efforts making a donationsupport to Motethese efforts at bymote.org/donate. making a donation to Mote online online at mote.org/donate.

SPECIAL THANKS SPECIAL THANKS Thanks to support from MarineMax Thanks toand support from MarineMax Sarasota the Sea Turtle Grants Sarasota and the Sea Turtle Grants Program, Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program, Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program will be able to respond more Programtowill be able to respond more quickly strandings.

The Sea Turtle quickly Program, to strandings.

The Sea Turtle Grants which is funded from Grants Program, which is funded from sales of the Sea Turtle License Plate, sales of the Sea Turtle License Plate, awarded Mote a $12,104 grant, that awardedfor Mote $12,104ofgrant, that allowed the apurchase a Boston allowedfrom for the purchase which of a Boston Whaler MarineMax, offered Whaler MarineMax, which Mote a from generous discount.

Learnoffered more Mote a generous discount. about the Grants Program atLearn more about the Grants Program at helpingseaturtles.org. helpingseaturtles.org.

MOTE MAGAZINE | SPRI N G/SUMMER 2014 MOTE MAGAZINE | SPRI N G/SUMMER 2014

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By Hayley Rutger

By Hayley Rutger

© Madelaine Verbeek © Madelaine Verbeek

H

OW SHARKS HUNT PREY — from first whiff to OW PREYrevealed — from first whiff to final SHARKS chomp —HUNT has been as never final chomp — has been revealed as never before in a new Mote-led study about shark before in a new about shark senses that was Mote-led supportedstudy by the National senses that was supported by the National Science Foundation and published in the Science Foundation and published peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE. in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE. The study, led by scientists from Mote, the University of South The study, ledand by scientists from Mote, the first University of how South Florida (USF) Boston University, is the to show

Results of this study looking at more than sense on more than Results of this study looking more than sense on more one species show that sharksatwith different lifestyles may than favor

Florida touch, (USF) smell and Boston University, the first to to guide show how vision, and other sensesiscombine a vision, touch, smell and other senses combine to guide detailed series of shark behaviors from start to finish. a

Gardiner, lead author and Mote Postdoctoral Fellow.the “The general public often hears that sharks are all about smell of general public often hears that sharks are all about the smell of prey — that they’re like big swimming noses. In the scientific

detailed series of shark behaviors from start to finish.

“This is landmark work,” said co-author Dr. Jelle Atema, a “This is landmark work,” said co-author Jelle Atema,Scientist a Professor of Biology at Boston UniversityDr.and Adjunct Professor Biology at Boston University at Woods of Hole Oceanographic Institution and whoAdjunct workedScientist with at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution who worked Mote researchers on pioneering studies of shark senseswith that Mote researcherstoon pioneering were precursors this study. studies of shark senses that were precursors to this study.

“Back in 1985, world experts in underwater animal senses met “Back in 1985, experts in underwater animal senses met at Mote, and at world that time we emphasized that sensory studies at Mote, and aton that time we emphasized that sensory were focusing one animal at a time, one sense at a studies time, were focusing on one animal at a time, one sense at a time, and we needed to start combining this information. Now we

one species showand thatthey sharks differentswitch lifestyles may favor different senses, can with sometimes when their different senses, and they can sometimes switch when their preferred senses are blocked. That’s hopeful news for sharks preferred senses blocked. That’s hopeful news for sharks trying to find foodare in changing, sometimes degraded trying to find food in changing, sometimes degraded environments. environments.

“Our findings may surprise a lot of people,” said Dr. Jayne “Our findings surprise a lot Postdoctoral of people,” said Dr. Jayne Gardiner, leadmay author and Mote Fellow.

“The

prey — that itthey’re like big swimming In the scientific community, has been suggested thatnoses. some sharks, like community, has been suggested blacktips, areit strongly visual feeders.that Butsome in thissharks, study,like what blacktips, visual But insense, this study, what impressedare us strongly most was not feeders. one particular but the impressed us to most wasbetween not one multiple particularsenses sense, and but the the sharks’ ability switch sharks’ to switch between multiple senses and the flexibilityability of their behavior. ” flexibility of their behavior.”

Among Gardiner and her team’s striking results: Among Gardiner and her team’s striking results: • Nurse sharks did not recognize their prey if their noses • were Nurseblocked, sharks did prey if their noses butnot therecognize blacktips their and bonnetheads did. were blocked, but the blacktips and bonnetheads did.

and have.we ” needed to start combining this information. Now we have.”

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PIONEERING STUDY — Scientists report in a new PLOS ONE article that sharks sense prey in surprising ways.

PIONEERING STUDY — Scientists report in a new PLOS ONE article that sharks sense prey in surprising ways.

A blacktip shark is fitted with noseplugs — a way to block their senseshark of smell during studies to understand how A blacktip is fitted with noseplugs — a way to block shark senses (The shark washow not their sense ofaffect smell shark duringbehavior. studies to understand harmed during the procedure.) shark senses affect shark behavior. (The shark was not harmed during the procedure.)

• •

When the researchers blocked both vision and lateral line, When researchers blocked vision and lateral line, blacktipthe and bonnethead sharksboth could not follow the odor

• •

blacktip and bonnethead sharks could not follow the odor trail to locate prey, but nurse sharks could. trail to locate prey, but nurse sharks could.

When the sharks’ vision was blocked, they could When the sharks’ vision they could compensate by lining upwas theirblocked, strikes using their lateral

• •

compensate by lining up their strikes using their lateral lines. lines.

During normal feeding, the prey’s electric field triggered During normal feeding,atthe prey’s triggered opening their mouths very closeelectric range. field However, opening mouths at enough: very closeBlocking range. However, electricitytheir alone was not vision and electricity was not enough: visionwhen and they lateral linealone prevented sharks from Blocking striking, even lateral line prevented sharks from striking, even when were close enough to sense the prey’s electric field. they

• •

were close enough to sense the prey’s electric field.

With electroreception blocked, sharks usually failed to With electroreception blocked, sharks usually failed to capture prey.

capture prey.

“We sought to discover how sharks use their highly evolved “We sought to discover how sharks use their highly evolved senses to hunt and locate prey, knowing it involved more than senses to hunt andoflocate involved more of than just a good sense smell,”prey, saidknowing Dr. Bob itHueter, Director just a good sense of smell,” said Dr. Bob Hueter, Director of Mote’s Center for Shark Research and co-author of the study.

Mote’swe Center forwas Shark Research of various the study.

“What found amazing, notand onlyco-author in how the “What we found was amazing, not only in how the various senses mesh together but also how one shark species can senses mesh together also how one shark vary from another.

Not but all sharks behave alike.” species can vary from another. Not all sharks behave alike.”

For USF’s Dr. Phil Motta, study co-author, “perhaps the most For USF’s thing Dr. Phil co-author, “perhapsinthe most revealing to Motta, me wasstudy the startling difference how these revealing shark thing species to me was theand startling difference how these different utilize switch betweeninthe various differentasshark utilize andtheir switch between the variousto senses they species hunt and capture prey.

Most references senses as theyoveremphasize hunt and capture prey. Most shark hunting andtheir oversimplify thereferences use of oneto shark hunting overemphasize and oversimplify the or two senses; this study reveals the complexity anduse of one or two senses; reveals complexity differences thatthis are study related to thethe sharks’ ecologyand and habitats.” differences that are related to the sharks’ ecology and habitats.”

While the results do not focus on shark-and-human While the results focus that on shark-and-human interactions, they do do not highlight some shark-safety interactions,like they do highlight that wetsuits some shark-safety measures, specially patterned meant to provide measures, like specially patterned wetsuitsthat meant tothe provide visual camouflage or electrical deterrents target sharks’ visual camouflage or electrical deterrents that target the electrosensory system — each focusing on one sense at sharks’ a time electrosensory system — focusing on of one sense at a time — may not be enough to each change the rates shark incidents, — may not be enough to change the rates of shark incidents, Gardiner said.

Gardiner said.

She thinks these results could also indicate that sharks might She thinks these could“I also that abilities sharks might be resilient oceanresults residents. thinkindicate the sharks’ to be resilient ocean residents.

“I think sharks’ abilities switch between different senses maythe make them more to switch between different make them resilient in the wild.

They senses may bemay more flexible andmore better resilient in the wild.

They may be more flexible and better adapted to deal with environmental changes — but not all adapted to deal with environmental changes — but not all human impacts. Overfishing is still overfishing.” human impacts. Overfishing is still overfishing.”

MOTE MAGAZINE | SPRI N G/SUMMER 2014 MOTE MAGAZINE | SPRI N G/SUMMER 2014

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AMID CLINKING TEACUPS, FINGER AMID CLINKING TEACUPS, FINGER SANDWICHES AND HATS OF ALL COLORS, SANDWICHES AND HATS“Mote OF ALL COLORS, the word was spreading: Marine the word was spreading: “Mote Marine Laboratory rocks!” said Dr. Sylvia Earle, Laboratory rocks!” said Dr. Sylvia Earle, world-famous oceanographer who spoke world-famous oceanographer who spoke at Mote’s Tea for the Sea in February.

The at Mote’s Tea for Sea in February.

Tea launched the the Lab’s new Women’sThe Tea launched the Lab’s new Women’s Giving Circle, which is uniting women in Giving Circle, which is uniting philanthropy for the pursuit ofwomen science.in philanthropy for the pursuit of science.

Earle’s enthusiasm drew applause from the Earle’s enthusiasm drew applause the 150 attendees at the Longboat Keyfrom Club’s 150 attendees at the Longboat Key Club’s Harbourside Dining Room. Guests mingled Harbourside Dining Room.

Guestslike mingled with Mote scientists and Trustees Earle with her Mote scientists and Trustees like Earle and famous mentor, Mote Founder Dr. and her famous mentor, Mote Dr. Eugenie Clark, who started the Founder Lab in 1955 Eugenie Clark, who started the Lab in 1955 thanks to the philanthropy of Anne thanks to the of Anne Vanderbilt andphilanthropy her husband.

Vanderbilt and her husband.

“Genie’s passion was the foundation of “Genie’s was the foundation Mote, andpassion the philanthropy of Anne of Mote, and the philanthropy of Anne Vanderbilt gave her the freedom to pursue Vanderbilt gave her the and freedom it,” said Mote President CEO to Dr.pursue it,” said Mote President andGenie’s CEO Dr. Michael P. Crosby.

“Today, passion Michael P. Crosby. passion has blossomed into“Today, our 24Genie’s research has blossomed into our 24 research programs, and more than 50 percent of programs, than 50” percent of our scienceand staffmore are women. our science staff are women.”

Giving back to the ocean is vital — and Giving backMote’s to the mission ocean isisvital — and supporting a clear path supporting Mote’s mission is a clear path to accomplish that, said Mote supporter to accomplish that, said supporter Kimberley Carreiro, ChairMote of Tea for the Kimberley of Tea forinthe Sea. “MoteCarreiro, scientistsChair are engaged Sea. “Mote are engaged in research to scientists improve nearly every aspect of research to improve nearly every aspect Sarasota Bay and the Gulf. Support for of Sarasota Bayensure and the Gulf.

Support for Mote helps that Sarasota remains Mote helps ensure thatit Sarasota the absolute paradise is today.” remains the absolute paradise it is today.”

To join the Women’s Giving Circle at Mote, To join the Women’s GivingJennifer Circle atVigne Mote, contact Major Gifts Officer at contact Major Gifts Vigne at 941-388-4441, ext.Officer 393, orJennifer jvigne@mote.

941-388-4441, ext. 393, or jvigne@mote. org. org.

Photos: (Top) Melody Suzor, Mote Trustee Photos: (Top) Amy Sussman, Mote Trustee Susan Gilmore-Clarke and Mote President Susan and Mote President & CEO,Gilmore-Clarke Dr. Michael P. Crosby. & CEO, Dr. Michael P. Crosby.

(Middle) Tea for the Sea Chair Kimberley (Middle) Tea Mote for the Sea Chair Carreiro and Founder Dr. Kimberley Eugenie Carreiro and Mote Founder Dr. Eugenie Clark.

Clark.

(Bottom) Frances Fergusson, Maryann (Bottom) Frances Fergusson, Maryann Armour and Amy Sussman.

Armour and Melody Suzor.

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UNDER $1,000 FRIENDS n Mote Decals

$1,000 - $4,999 PILLARS CLUB n Subscription to the Mote Magazine n Dolphin Membership

$5,000 - $9,999 SIGNATURE SOCIETY n Manatee Membership

$10,000 - $49,999 CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE n n n n n n

Recognition on the website Recognition in the annual report Lifetime membership (twelve guests with cardholder) Invitation to President’s breakfast Major Donor Dinner Event with President Shark Pin

$50,000 - $99,999 CAPE HAZE SOCIETY n Complimentary tickets to the Special Lecture Series and private donor reception prior to the first lecture

$100,000 – $249,999 DIRECTOR’S CLUB n Invitation to the Special Lunch with the Scientists Series n Two complimentary tickets to Oceanic Evening n Invitation to visit Coral Reef Restoration Program in the Keys (limited opportunities available)*

$250,000 - $499,999 PRESIDENTIAL ROUNDTABLE n Private Boat Tour n Table at Oceanic Evening n Invitation to dive trip with the Combat Wounded Veterans and the SCUBAnauts (limited opportunities available)*

$500,000 - $999,999 WILLIAM MOTE GUILD n Access to private donor dive excursion in the Keys with Mote’s President (limited opportunities available)* n Complimentary Caviar Certificate for 500 grams n Invitation to exclusive international trips (limited opportunities available)

$1,000,000 & MORE DR. EUGENIE CLARK SOCIETY n Admittance to all Mote events, including one table at Oceanic Evening and one table at Party on the Pass n Naming opportunities for endowed chair, post doctoral, etc.

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D

o you know the first o you know thegreat first names of your names of your How great grandparents? grandparents?

How about the things they about the things they cared most deeply cared most deeply about? about?

In just two generations, it’s easy to lose In justoftwo it’s easy to loseto sight thegenerations, things that were important

Brady. She knows this from her Brady. She knows from achieve her experience helpingthis families their

member of Mote Marine Laboratory’s member of Mote Marine own Legacy Society, whichLaboratory’s recognizes

experience helping achieve their charitable goals andfamilies build endowments charitable and build endowments that benefitgoals the community in her role as

own Society, which recognizes thoseLegacy who have committed their support those who have committed support to Mote through estate planstheir or other

that benefit the community in her roleatas Senior Vice President for Philanthropy Senior Vice President for Philanthropy Gulf Coast Community Foundation. at

to Mote types of through planned estate gifts. plans or other types of planned gifts.

“In just two generations, we don’t always “In justwhat two our generations, we don’t always know great grandparents stood

sight of thingsancestors, that weresays important to even ourthe closest Veronica even our closest ancestors, says Veronica

passion, you’d right.

But to it’sheart also as a something thatbe she’s taken something that she’s taken to heart as a

Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

If you said connecting generations is her Ifpassion, you said connecting you’d be right.generations But it’s alsois her

know stood for or what what our was great most grandparents important to them,” for or what most important to them,” Brady said inwas February, as she gave the Brady said in February, as she gave the

Mote President Emeritus, Dr. Kumar Mahadevan, Mote Trustee Dr. Sam Seider, Trustee Susan Gilmore-Clarke, Mote Mahadevan, President & CEO Michael Crosby, Mote President Emeritus, Dr. Kumar Mote TrusteeP.Dr. Sam Seider, Trustee and Trustee Mould.

Trustee Lowe SusanMorrison Gilmore-Clarke, MoteNigel President & CEO Michael P. Crosby, Trustee Lowe Morrison and Trustee Nigel Mould.

“Mote was founded on three principles: passion, philanthropy and partnership. We had the passion of a “Mote was founded on three passion,We philanthropy and partnership.

Weand hadWilliam the passion of a young woman — Genie Clark principles: — for her science. had the philanthropy of Anne Vanderbilt, young woman — Genie Clark — for her science.

We had the philanthropy of Anne and William Vanderbilt, who built the one-room lab where Mote started and, later the philanthropy of William Mote who helped us who built one-room where Mote startedwith and,the later the philanthropy of William Moteawho grow.

And,the of course, welab have our partnership community, which feels very much parthelped of Moteus grow.

And, of course, we have our partnership with the community, which feels very much a part and has supported us over time… What we’re really celebrating today is the future. It’s important of to Mote realize and the has Legacy supported us over time…

What celebrating the exist future.

It’s important to realize that Society is really about thewe’re futurereally of Mote — Motetoday wouldis not without you all and your that the Legacy Society is really about the future of Mote — Mote would not exist without you all and your commitment to Mote. Thank you all very much.” commitment to Mote. Thank you all very much.”

— Dr. Michael P. Crosby, President and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory — Dr. Michael P. Crosby, President and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory

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keynote address during Mote’s Annual keynote addressRecognition during Mote’s Annualat Legacy Society Breakfast

treatments and marine research that treatments andthe marine research that helps improve health of our oceans.

Legacy Society Recognition at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. “IBreakfast think planned The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

“I think planned giving really helps us to create a path for

helps improve the health of our oceans.

“We’re huge believers in legacy and we’re “We’rebelievers huge believers in she legacy and“That’s we’re huge in Mote,” said.

giving really helps us to create path for our children, grandchildren andagreatour children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren that helps them understand grandchildren thatwas helps them ”understand what we thought valuable. what we thought was valuable.”

For Veronica and her husband Jay, the For Veronica and her husband Jay,include the things that are important to them things that are important to them include the sustainable use of natural resources, the sustainable use of natural resources, educating children about marine life, educating about marine life, studies thatchildren will lead to better cancer studies that will lead to better cancer

huge believers in Mote,” she said.to“That’s why Jay and I made the decision why Jay Mote and I in made the decision to include our philanthropic plans. include Mote in our philanthropic plans.

Strong communities are built on endowed Strong communities built endowed philanthropy, which isare built onon community philanthropy, which built generosity. Now, weisare partonofcommunity a Legacy generosity.

Now, wewe arethink part that of a gives Legacy family at Mote and us family at Motetoand think that gives a connection thewe past, present and us a connection to the past, present and future. ” future.”

“Let’s start our program this morning by taking a “Let’s our program this morning taking a of minutestart to honor and remember thosebymembers minute toLegacy honor and remember of the Mote Society who wethose have members lost this year. the Mote Legacy Society who we have lost this year.

They are all very special people who have helped to They areMote all very special people who support in very special ways. ” have helped to support Mote in very special ways.”

Photos: (Top left) Ed Rogers, Mote Major Jennifer Photos:Gifts (TopOfficer left) Ed Rogers,Vigne Moteand Elyse MajorRogers.

Gifts Officer Jennifer Vigne and Elyse Rogers.

(Bottom left) Shirley Fein, Mote Chief Advancement OfficerFein, Tom Mote Waters and (Bottom left) Shirley Chief Tina Fein Dinitz Advancement Officer Tom Waters and Tina (Top Fein right)Dinitz Veronica Brady, Senior Vice President Philanthropy, Gulf Coast (Top right)for Veronica Brady, Senior Vice Community Mote President forFoundation, Philanthropy, Gulf Coast Founding Director, Dr. Eugenie Community Foundation, Mote Clark, and Mote Director, PresidentDr. & Eugenie CEO Dr. Michael Founding Clark, P. Crosby. and Mote President & CEO Dr. Michael P. Crosby.right) Caldwell Trust (Bottom Company’s Sonya Dlug, Scott (Bottom right) Caldwell Trust Antritt, Tim Videnka, MoteDlug, scientist Culter, Company’s Sonya ScottJim Antritt, Jan of Mote Caldwell, and Dr. Tim Miller, Videnka, scientist JimMichael Culter, P. JanCrosby.

Miller, of Caldwell, and Dr. Michael P. Crosby.

SPECIAL THANKS SPECIAL THANKS Mote Marine Laboratory would like to thank MoteWealth MarineManagement Laboratory would like to thank PNC and Caldwell PNC Wealth Management and Caldwell Trust Company for their sponsorship of our Trust Company for their sponsorship Annual Legacy Society Recognition of our Annual Legacy Society Recognition Breakfast.

Breakfast.

— Tom Waters, Chief Advancement Officer, — TomMarine Waters, Chief Advancement Officer, Mote Laboratory Mote Marine Laboratory

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ISSUES AND IMPACTS: ISSUES ISSUES AND AND IMPACTS: IMPACTS: A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT AAHOLISTIC HOLISTIC APPROACH APPROACH TO TO ECOSYSTEM ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT

W

hen Dr. Charles H. “Pete” Peterson hen hen Dr.Dr.Charles Charles H.H. “Pete” “Pete” Peterson thinks about the status ofPeterson wild thinks thinks about about the the status status of of wild wild and populations like scallops, oysters populations populations likescallops, scallops,oysters oysters and and fish — theirlike abundance, their numbers, fish fish— theirabundance, abundance, theirnumbers, numbers, — he—their doesn’t just thinktheir about an —— hehedoesn’t doesn’t just justthink think aboutaanan individual species.

He about takes holistic individual individual species. species.

He He takes takes holistic approach, looking at the forest and not just the trees,a aifholistic you will.

approach, approach, looking looking at at the theforest forestand andnot notjust justthe thetrees, trees,if ifyou youwill. will.

Peterson is the Florida State University-Mote 2014 William R. Peterson Peterson is is the the Florida Florida State StateUniversity-Mote University-Mote 2014 2014 William William and Lenore Mote Eminent Scholar in Fisheries Ecology & R.R. and and Lenore Lenore Mote Mote Eminent Eminent Scholarin inFisheries Fisheries Ecology Ecology&& Enhancement.

This chair, Scholar funded through an endowment Enhancement.

Enhancement.

This This chair, chair, funded funded through through an an endowment endowment created by the Mote family in 1994, promotes collaborations created created byby the the Mote Mote family family inin1994, 1994,promotes promotes collaborations collaborations between FSU and Mote that furthers the understanding of between between FSU FSU and and Mote Mote that that furthers furthers the the understanding understanding of of exploited marine populations. exploited exploited marine marine populations. populations.

Peterson’s specialty is synthesizing studies to help create a Peterson’s Peterson’s specialty specialty is issynthesizing studies totohelp help create createa a and better understanding ofsynthesizing the healthstudies of an overall ecosystem better better understanding understanding ofthe thehealth health ofanaanoverall overallecosystem ecosystem species populationsofwithin in.

He of led National Academy and ofand species species populations populations within within in.in.He Heled ledawhat aNational National Academy Academyofof Sciences panel charged with asking the environmental Sciences Sciences panel panel charged charged with withasking askingwhat whatthe theenvironmental environmental influences of shellfish aquaculture are. influences influences of of shellfish shellfishaquaculture aquacultureare. are.

Q: Why did the National Academy of Sciences focus on Q:Q: Why Why did did the the National National Academyofto ofSciences Sciences focus focus on on this question?

Why is itAcademy important look at the pros this this question? question?

Why Whyisisit itimportant importanttotolook lookatatthe thepros pros and cons of aquaculture? and and cons cons ofof aquaculture? aquaculture?

Our environmental laws require us to consider consequences of Our Our environmental environmental laws lawsrequire require us usto to consider considerpermits consequences consequences of many commercial activities before necessary are many manycommercial commercial activities activities before before necessary necessary permits permitsassociated are are granted.

In the case of bivalve shellfish aquaculture granted. granted.

In In the the case case of of bivalve bivalve shellfish shellfish aquaculture aquaculture associated associated with the bottom of bays and the ocean, the U.S. Army Corps of with with the thebottom bottom ofbays baysand andthe theocean, ocean, the the U.S. U.S. Army Army Corps Corps of of Engineers must of provide permits.

Engineers Engineersmust mustprovide providepermits. permits.

Q: How did the panel tackle the question?

Q: Q:How Howdid didthe thepanel paneltackle tacklethe the question? question?

The panel reviewed all applicable data worldwide.

The Thepanel panelreviewed reviewedall allapplicable applicabledata data worldwide. worldwide.

Q: What kinds of things do you consider when you are Q: Q: What What kinds of ofthings things doyou youof consider consider when when you you are trying tokinds determine the do health an ecosystem vs. are just trying trying to todetermine determine the thehealth health of of an an ecosystem ecosystem vs. vs. just just the health of an individual species? the thehealth healthof ofan anindividual individualspecies? species?

The fundamental challenge is to address how the activity — in The The fundamental challenge isisto toaddress address how how the the activity activity — —that in in thisfundamental case bivalve challenge shellfish aquaculture — affects processes this thiscase case bivalve bivalve shellfishaquaculture aquaculture —— affects affects processes processes that may modify the shellfish ecosystem.

Biodeposition of feces and that may may modify modify the the ecosystem. ecosystem.

Biodeposition Biodeposition of of feces feces and and pseudofeces from oysters, clams and other bivalves induces pseudofeces pseudofecesfrom from oysters, oysters, clams and and other other bivalves bivalvesreduces induces induces denitrification, which helpsclams combat eutrophication; denitrification, denitrification, which which helps helps combat combat eutrophication; eutrophication; reduces reduces turbidity, which allows more seagrass and benthic microalgal turbidity, turbidity, which allows allows more more seagrass seagrass and and benthic benthic microalgal microalgal growth; which and helps fertilize segrasses, increasing the spread of growth; growth; and andhelps helps fertilize fertilize segrasses, segrasses, increasing increasing the the spread spread of of this valuable nursery habitat. this thisvaluable valuablenursery nurseryhabitat. habitat.

Q: Why is looking at the “big picture” important?

Q: Q:Why Whyisislooking lookingat atthe the“big “bigpicture” picture” important? important?

14 MOTE MAGAZINE | S P RIN G/S U M M E R 2014 MOTE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE | S|PSRPI N RIN G/S G/S UM UM EMRE 2014 R 2014 1414MOTE Mote_1406_16pages_layout.indd 14

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A: If we focus narrowly on restocking a single A: If we focus narrowly on restocking a single species, we may unbalance the ecosystem, species, we may unbalance the ecosystem, learning that habitat or food resources is learning thatproduction habitat or food is what limits of theresources target fish. what target Theselimits testsproduction are all partof ofthe what has fish. been These tests are“Responsible all part of what has been referred to as Stock referred to as “Responsible Stock Enhancement”, as developed in large part by Enhancement”, as developed large partand by the Mote Program led by Drs.inKen Leber the Mote Program led by Drs. Ken Leber and Kevan Main.

Kevan Main.

Q: Your time at Mote this year is Q: Your time at Mote year is coming to a close butthis your coming to a close but your collaborations continue.

What will they collaborations continue. What will they focus on? focus on?

A: I hope to see Deepwater Horizon A: I hope tofunds see Deepwater restoration flow to theHorizon Aquaculture and restoration funds flow to the Aquaculture Stock Enhancement Program at Mote andand to Stock Enhancement at Mote and toat be able to work withProgram Ken Leber and others be able work with at Mote toto enhance keyKen fishLeber stocksand thatothers suffered Mote to enhance key to fishdevelop stocks that suffered from the oil spill and appropriate from the management oil spill and to actions developthat appropriate fisheries sustain fisheries management actions that sustainso the enhanced stocks at high abundance the stocks at high so thatenhanced the benefits continue toabundance flow for years. that the benefits continue to flow for years.

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MOTE MAGAZINE | SPRI N G/SUMMER 2014 MOTE MAGAZINE | SPRI N G/SUMMER 2014

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1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236-1004 (941) 388-4441 www.mote.org

MAKING HER CONNECTION TO MOTE’S

PA S T, P R E S E N T A N D F U T U R E Every member of Mote Marine Laboratory’s Legacy Society has their own history and connections that drew them to the organization and inspired them to support Mote through a planned gift.

Veronica Brady and her husband Jay have many. “We like Mote and we like what Mote does and what it stands for, but we also have personal connections that drew us to Mote and inspired us to include the Lab in our estate plans,” she says.

CONNECTION ONE: Love of exploration and discovery.

It started with her grandfather who became chief of National Geographic’s news service after serving as a war correspondent during WWII and then a White House correspondent following the war. “My childhood was spent going to his office at National Geographic and exploring. Later, his youngest son, my uncle, was managing editor of the National Geographic magazine.”

CONNECTION TWO: Love of the ocean.

“My late father loved to sail and I spent a lot of my early childhood tied to the mast of his sailboat — really! They tied me to the mast so I wouldn’t fall in.”

CONNECTION THREE: Fascination and interest in the Lab’s history and evolution.

CONNECTION THREE: Fascination and interest in the Lab’s “My father away two days before my birthday 12 years history andpassed evolution. ago. My mom gave me the gift he had planned to give me. It “My father passed away two days before my birthday 12 years was a first edition of Genie Clark’s book The Lady and the ago. My mom gave me the gift he had planned to give me. It Sharks. When he passed away, we made a legacy gift to Mote in was a first edition of Genie Clark’s book The Lady and the his name.”

Sharks. When he passed away, we made a legacy gift to Mote in CONNECTION FOUR: Thinking of Mote as part of your family. his name.”

“Jay’s brother met his wife whileofthey were bothofinterning at CONNECTION FOUR: Thinking Mote as part your family.

Mote.”

“Jay’s brother met his wife while they were both interning at OUR Mote.”CONNECTION: “Every member of Mote’s Legacy Society has their own connections to Mote — their own reasons for OUR CONNECTION: “Every member of Mote’s Legacy Society giving,” says Veronica. “But we all have one thing in common: has their own connections to Mote — their own reasons for Our belief in Mote and our desire to support its future. And that giving,” says Veronica. “But we all have one thing in common: makes us all part of the Mote Family. I try to share that Mote Our belief in Mote and our desire to support its future. And that message with my friends and family — and know other Legacy makes us all part of the Mote family. I try to share that Mote Society Members do, too. That way, our ‘family reunion’ at next message with my friends and family — and know other Legacy year’s Legacy Society breakfast will be even bigger.”

Society Members do, too. That way, our ‘family reunion’ at next year’s Legacy Society breakfast will grow even bigger.”

There are many ways you can add your solid financial backing to support Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. For a start, talk to Tom Waters, Chief Advancement Officer, at 941-388-4441, ext. 352, or e-mail plannedgiving@mote.org.

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