Mote Magazine Annual 2014-2015 by Vetted Communications

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Celebrating 60 years Mote gives dolphins a helping hand A Coral Restoration Mission

MOTE MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2013

M O T E

M A R I N E

L A B OR AT ORY ’ S

A N N UA L

F U N D :

WAVES OF SUPPORT

HELP US MAKE WAVES Giving Levels & Benefits: FRIENDS | UNDER $1,000 •• Mote decals PILLARS CLUB | $1,000 – $4,999

•• Subscription to Mote Magazine •• Dolphin Membership

SIGNATURE SOCIETY | $5,000 – $9,999

•• Manatee Membership

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE | $10,000 – $49,999

•• Recognition on the Mote website •• Recognition in the annual report •• Lifetime membership (12 guests with cardholder) •• Invitation to President’s breakfast, Major Donor Dinner Event with President •• Shark pin

CAPE HAZE ROUNDTABLE | $50,000 – $99,999

•• Complimentary tickets to the Special Lecture Series and private donor reception prior to the first lecture

PRESIDENTIAL ROUNDTABLE | $100,000 – $249,999

•• Invitation to the Special Lunch with a Scientist Series •• Two complimentary tickets to Oceanic Evening •• Invitation to visit Coral Reef Restoration Program in the Keys

WILLIAM MOTE GUILD | $250,000 – $499,999

•• Private boat tour •• Table at Oceanic Evening •• Invitation to dive trip with the Combat Wounded Veterans Challenge and SCUBAnauts*

DR. EUGENIE CLARK SOCIETY | $500,000 +

•• Access to private donor dive excursion in the Keys with Mote President* •• Complimentary caviar certificate for 500 grams •• Invitation to exclusive international trips*

*Limited opportunities available. Safety protocols and measures must be followed prior to approval for any dive trip.

To make a gift, please call (941) 388-4441, ext. 415, or visit us online at mote.org/support.

2 MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

Mote Magazine n A unique mission. Mote Magazine (ISSN 1553-1104) is published by Mote Marine Laboratory, a nonprofit organization dedicated to today’s research for tomorrow’s oceans. By telling the stories of sea science, Mote hopes to enhance public understanding of marine research and conservation. president & CEO Michael P. Crosby, Ph.D. Editor Nadine Slimak GRAPHIC DESIGNER Alexis Balinski Contributing Writers Kevin Lollar, Hayley Rutger Contributing Photographers Joe Berg/Way Down Video, Rachel S. O’Hara/Sarasota Herald-Tribune, The Nature Conservancy, Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Kristina Vackova, Dr. Dana Wetzel

Mission Critical: Restoring Coral Volunteers help Mote researchers restore corals in the Florida Keys.

Celebrating 60

New Partnership

2015 marks Mote’s 60th year

6 Events Calendar 6 Mote Through the Decades 13 Generation Next

PUBLISHING PARTNER Mote Magazine is proud to recognize Sarasota Magazine as its publishing partner. For information on sponsorship, please contact Sarasota Magazine at 941-487-1109. Annual 2014-2015 • VOLUME 68 Info: 941-388-4441 • mote.oRG

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Cover Photo

Red Sea trip paves the way for new Mote-IUI research partnership

Saving Dolphins When dolphins need help, Mote answers the call

Released Snook release in Sarasota Bay highlights public-private partnership

Issues & Impacts Understanding the threats that dugongs face in Malaysia

19 Special Lecture Series Preview 26 Mote Milestones 30 Oceanic Evening 32 Remembering Ruth DeLynn

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Red tide Uncovering red tide effects on endangered sea turtles

Fish & Farming Team developing new aquaponics techniques

Dr. Eugenie Clark hands a jar containing a hermaphroditic fish, Serranus subligarius, to William Stevens, a writer for the Saturday Evening Post in this 1950s photo. Stevens was writing a story about Clark’s work at the Cape Haze Marine Lab. MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

Board of Trustees Eugene Beckstein Chairman G. Lowe Morrison Vice Chairman Lt. Gen. Howard G. Crowell (USA Ret) Treasurer Mickey Callanen Secretary Dr. Michael P. Crosby President & CEO Arthur L. Armitage, Chairman Emeritus Paul Carreiro Robert E. Carter, Chairman Emeritus Ronald D. Ciaravella Eugenie Clark, Ph.D., Founding Director Frederick M. Derr, P.E., Chairman Emeritus Richard O. Donegan Sylvia Earle, Ph.D. Dean H. Eisner James D. Ericson Robert Essner Susan C. Gilmore Judy Graham, Chairman Emeritus Edward H. Jennings Mary Lou Johnson Kirk Malcolm Penelope Kingman Trudo Letschert Nigel Mould Rande Ridenour Alan Rose Howard Seider, Jr., M.D. Jeanie Stevenson Honorary Trustees Richard Angelotti, Chairman Emeritus Charles R. Baumann, CPA Pauline Becker Sandi Burns (Chairman, Keys Advisory Board) Howard C. Cobin David Dickson (Chairman, Advisory Council) Bruce Frerer (Chairman, Keys Advisory Board) William S. Galvano, Esq Alfred Goldstein, DCS DHL, Chairman Emeritus The Hon. Andy Ireland The Hon. Robert Johnson, Chairman Emeritus Elaine M. Keating J. Robert Long Peter Hull (Mote Scientific Foundation) Kumar Mahadevan, Ph.D. (Mote Scientific Foundation) Jean Martin The Hon. Dan Miller Myra Monfort Runyan, Chairman Emeritus Ronald R. Morris Helen L. Pratt (Mote Scientific Foundation) William Ritchie (Mote Scientific Foundation) Peter Rosasco, CPA (Chairman, Keys Advisory Board) Robert Cameron (President, Volunteer Board) Beth G. Waskom William R. Mote • 1906-2000 Perry W. Gilbert • 1912-2000

MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

Letter From The President Dr. Michael P. Crosby Spurred by the nation’s economic recession, Sarasota County’s Economic Development Corporation in 2009 developed a strategic plan to help guide the county in the development of a more robust and agile economy. At the same time, Mote was also looking forward and considering our own research, education and outreach programs and making decisions about the future. We developed a 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan to guide our future growth for the coming decade and undertook several feasibility studies to help us determine a course for the highest possible degree of success in achieving our goals. This planning process took into account more than just the future of our organization; it also considered how best to increase the current $70 million positive impact we have on our community and beyond. The Mote Strategic Plan we began implementing in 2011 articulated key priorities and milestones for the organization, including the need to increase the world-class research conducted at Mote; develop the next generation of scientific leaders; translate and transfer our technology for the betterment of society and continue our public service locally, statewide, nationally and internationally. Today, we are ready to embark in 2015 on our historic 60th year as a unique organization dedicated to science-based conservation and supporting the sustainable use of our ocean resources. Since its creation, Mote has been dedicated to scientific research for the betterment of society and Mote scientists conduct research on each of the world’s seven continents. Yet if we are to maintain our independence and freedom to continue this dedication, we must grow — both our scientific staff and the facilities needed to support their research. Our vision includes a revitalized marine research park at our main campus as a place where nonprofit, educational and business partnerships focused on innovative science and technology will thrive. This park will promote innovation and economic diversity. At the same time, we remain invested in educating and supporting the next generation of ocean leaders — the next generation scientists and today’s students who will be tomorrow’s decision makers. We have many exciting plans for the coming decades. In 2015, as we celebrate our 60th year, we will also be remembering our roots and honoring those who have helped us get here. Mote was built on three principles: the passion for research held by our founding director, Dr. Eugenie Clark — a passion that continues to thrive in all of us at Mote today — partnership with a community that joined us in many of our efforts and, importantly, the philanthropic support provided by Anne and William Vanderbilt and later by William R. Mote and so many others over the years. We hope you share our passion for the future and will join with us as we look ahead to the next 60 years.

Michael P. Crosby, Ph.D., FLS President & CEO

Celebrating 60 Years OF PASSION, PARTNERSHIP AND PHILANTHROPY FOR OUR OCEANS

Main photo: Dr. Perry Gilbert with William R. Mote. Inset photos (top): Dr. Eugenie Clark (bottom) Mr. Mote and Dr. Clark.

ote Marine Laboratory’s story began 60 years ago — a tale of passion, partnership and philanthropy.

upon for 60 years. From one Ph.D. scientist working in a one-

The passion was in the zest for marine science that

35 Ph.D. scientists, and have six campuses and research

room laboratory, we are nearly 200 employees strong, including

Dr. Eugenie Clark brought to Florida when she became the Lab’s

stations from Sarasota to Key West. Our scientific staff conducts

first director in 1955. Partnership came from her work with the

groundbreaking research not only in our home community of

community, where she shared her knowledge and her findings

Southwest Florida, but on each of the world’s seven continents.

and, in turn, her neighbors supported her work.

Throughout our history, Mote research has helped to protect

Ann and William Vanderbilt were the philanthropic backbone

and save endangered species and their habitats, solve emerging

of the Lab, providing generous support for Dr. Clark’s research.

ocean-related problems and educate thousands of children,

Later, William R. Mote lent his own philanthropic support and

adults and policy makers about conserving and sustainably using

business acumen to help Mote grow and realize its potential

our precious marine resources.

to become a world-leader in ocean science.

In 2015, we invite you to join with us as we celebrate our 60th

Mote has traveled a long way since these visionaries joined

anniversary and plan for our next 60 years. For details about

forces to lay a foundation for ocean research that we have built

these events, please visit mote.org/events.

MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

Mote Through the Decades 1954–60

Community leaders Anne and William

1966–75

The Vanderbilts relocate north and Clark

Vanderbilt read Dr. Eugenie Clark’s book Lady with a

takes a professorship at the University of Maryland. Dr.

Spear and become fascinated with creating a research

Perry Gilbert and William R. Mote step in. Gilbert oversees

laboratory in Charlotte Harbor like the one in her book.

research; Mr. Mote — a Tampa native who nurtured an

In 1954, they bring Clark to town for a lecture and

interest in the sea since boyhood — oversees business

propose the idea. In1955, the Vanderbilts and Clark

operations. Mr. Mote helps the Lab evolve from a small

open the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory in Placida.

field station into a world-class center for marine research.

The lab gains a reputation for shark research and

In 1978, the Lab is renamed to honor the Mote family’s

becomes a popular field station for visiting scientists

significant philanthropic contributions.

from all over the U.S.

1975–80

1960–66

With the Siesta Key lab in danger because

The development of the Intracoastal

of severe erosion, leaders make plans to move. News

Waterway near the lab makes it necessary to move.

filters through the community, causing an uproar that

Meanwhile, Sarasota County, the City of Sarasota and

Sarasota could lose a key asset. Community leaders mount

the Chamber of Commerce mount a campaign to

a campaign to keep the lab in Sarasota and Mote moves

attract a research facility to Sarasota. Mote moves to

to City Island. Dr. William H. Taft leads the next phase of

the south end of Siesta Key.

growth and oversees the Lab’s relocation.

Cape Haze Marine Lab, (19XX)

William R. Mote

Mote campus on City Island

Events Calendar • Mote 2015 Special Events Calendar • Mote 2015 Special Events Calendar • Mote

JANUARY Jan. 5: SPRING CALENDAR RELEASED for Mote education programs. Jan. 22: INVITATION-ONLY KICKOFF CELEBRATION of Mote Marine Laboratory’s 60th anniversary.

FEBRUARY Feb. 2: ANNUAL SPECIAL LECTURE SERIES begins. 7:30 p.m. each Monday through March 9 at Mote. (Learn more, p. 19.) Series sponsored in-part by Bob and Jill Williams.

MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

Feb. 2: SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION opens for Mote Members and former campers.

These topics are central to marine research around the globe, including Mote’s world-class science.

Feb. 5: LEGACY BREAKFAST to honor those who have committed their support to Mote through planned giving.

Feb. 18: CELEBRATING SCIENCE TEACHERS, special reception for science teachers to meet & mingle and learn about Mote education programs. Sponsored by the Mote Advisory Council.

Feb. 9: SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION opens for non-members. Feb. 14: OPENING — our newest special exhibit exploring ocean animal reproduction, offspring and families. This family-friendly exhibit will invite visitors to discover ocean animal “romance,” babies of many species and the survival challenges facing new generations.

Feb. 27: TEA FOR THE SEA. celebration of our marine science research with Mote’s Women’s Giving Circle. Email Erin Knievel, eknievel@mote.org, or call 941-388-4441, ext. 415, for sponsorship and tickets.

1980–90

Mote Senior Scientist Dr. Kumar

2000–06

Mote Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos

Mahadevan is appointed CEO in 1986. Under

and Aquariums. This organization develops rigorous standards for animal

his guidance, Mote convenes distinguished

care, education and wildlife conservation. (The Aquarium is accredited

scientifsts to develop a blueprint for growth

again in 2008 and 2013.) Panels convene to guide education and research

and to guide the Lab’s research. Mote opens a

programs and the Keating Marine Education Center opens. Mote acquires its

new marine science center in 1980. In 1988,

first two patents. Mote Aquaculture Park in eastern Sarasota develops into a

Mote Aquarium expands. Mote also expands

full commercial demonstration facility for aquaculture R & D and produces

educational programming.

the first farm-raised caviar from Florida. The Goldstein Center is expanded.

1990–2000

Sarasota expands Mote’s

2006–14

Mote begins charting a course for the future. The 2020

lease on City Island, allowing for marine mammal

Vision & Strategic Plan is unanimously approved by Mote’s Board in

and sea turtle research to grow in the new Ann

2010. In 2013, after leading the Lab through unprecedented growth and

and Alfred Goldstein Marine Mammal Research

numerous scientific successes, Dr. Kumar Mahadevan announces his

and Rehabilitation Center. Another new building

retirement. The Board unanimously appoints Dr. Michael P. Crosby as

connects the research and administration

President & CEO. Mote begins the first phase of a new study to determine

offices to Mote Aquarium, allowing for additional

how to best grow. The study finds the need to develop a new informal

research space. Mote launches SeaTrek, its own

science center and aquarium at a mainland location, which will allow for

distance learning program.

the needed expansion of marine research programs on City Island.

Mote Aquarium (19XX)

Michael P. Crosby, Dr. Eugenie Clark and Dr. Kumar Mahadevan

Mote farm-raised caviar

ote 2015 Special Events Calendar • Mote 2015 Special Events Calendar • Mote 2015 Special Events

MARCH March 20: PARTY ON THE PASS — a casual evening of good food, good fun and goodwill supporting Mote. Mote Aquarium. Mote.org/party.

April 4: 6TH ANNUAL FLORIDA KEYS OCEAN FESTIVAL AND WATERFRONT CRAFT SHOW, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, 35 East Quay Road, Truman Waterfront, Old Town, Key West: 3rd Annual Tuna Trot Run for the Reef. keysoceanfest.org.

APRIL

JUNE

April 4: 29TH ANNUAL RUN FOR THE TURTLES proudly sponsored by Positive Tracks (Sanctioned race.) 5K includes 1-mile fun-run/walk. Siesta Key Public Beach, 928 Beach Road. Mote.org/run or register at active.com.

June 6: World Oceans Day Family Festival — celebrate our world ocean with a day of games and crafts focused on green practices, marine science and conservation. Free with regular admission. Mote.org/worldoceansday.

OCTOBER Oct. 23: Night of Fish, Fun & Fright — buoys and ghouls of all ages are invited to dress up in costume at Mote Aquarium to discover creatures from the deep in a safe and fun trick-or-treating zone. Mote.org/halloween. Oct. 31: Oceanic Evening, our annual black-tie fundraiser supporting Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s marine research, education and outreach programs. Email Erin Knievel, eknievel@ mote.org, or call 941-388-4441, ext. 415 for sponsorship and tickets. MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

Historic trip paves way for new U.S.-Israel Ocean Initiatives

hen Mote founder Dr. Eugenie Clark dived into the Red Sea in 2014, it marked a return to her early days as a marine researcher and a new partnership between Mote scientists and their Israeli colleagues to work together to address some of the most difficult and complex problems that coral reefs face today.

partners in the Red Sea Marine Peace Park Cooperative Research, Monitoring and Management Program — an effort to protect coral reefs that support thousands of species in the Gulf of Aqaba. Crosby is also a former chairman of the United StatesIsrael Binational Science Foundation Board of Governors and has served on the Board since he was appointed by the U.S. State Department in 2002.

In the 1950s, before Clark earned world renown as the “Shark Crosby and Dr. Amatzia Genin, Director of IUI, signed the Lady,” she studied fishes in the Red Sea. During this summer’s agreement at the IUI in Eilat. “Signing the MOU with Mote is a historic trip back to the region, the 92-year-old Clark once again landmark event in dove the Red Sea. the history of the She also witnessed IUI, as it combines the signing of a past, present and new memorandum future: the past of understanding collaboration that (MOU) between has prevailed since Mote and the the establishment of Interuniversity our laboratory — in Institute for Marine which Dr. Eugenie Sciences (IUI) in Clark had a major Eilat, Israel. Through role — through the the MOU, the worldmore recent Peace class marine science Park project led by organizations agreed Dr. Michael Crosby, to work together Signing Ceremony: Mote founding director, Dr. Eugenie Clark; Eli Lankri, Eilat Deputy Mayor; which bridged on new research Mote President & CEO, Dr. Michael P. Crosby; IUI Director, Dr. Amatzia Genin. political and scientific endeavors designed boundaries across the Gulf of Aqaba, continuing with the to understand the impacts that climate change will have on coral present Mote-IUI collaboration in studies of ocean acidification reefs and find ways to restore and protect reefs worldwide. They effects on corals, paving the road to a bright future of continued will also partner in research on ocean acidification, the ecology collaboration between Mote and IUI in studying the future of of sharks and butterflyfish, marine biomedicine and many other coral reefs across the oceans,” Genin said. key subjects. “Our long history of working with Israeli scientists is bringing about significant benefits for our oceans and for marine science and these team efforts stand ready to achieve even greater results because of this new agreement,” said Mote President and CEO, Dr. Michael P. Crosby, who has also worked closely with top Israeli researchers since 1994. He led U.S., Israeli and Jordanian

8 MOTE MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2013

During the trip, Clark had the opportunity to visit with researchers and residents that she’s known since her early years as a scientist, including Dr. Avi Baranes, Director Emeritus of the IUI who was her graduate student during her studies in the 1950s (and who was also Crosby’s colleague in the Red Sea Marine Peace Park initiative) and Rachel Gordin, who was

Grant Supports U.S.-Israeli Research Diving In: Dr. Eugenie Clark is surrounded by Mote staff and supporters before making a dive in the Red Sea on her 92nd birthday.

Clark’s student and babysat her children during Clark’s work in Israel. Clark celebrated her 92nd birthday with a dive in the Red Sea. “It was a wonderful birthday celebration,” Clark said. “Not only did I have the opportunity to reconnect with people I’ve known for so many years, but I also had the opportunity to witness the signing of the agreement between IUI and Mote. I believe this will strengthen Mote’s bonds with our Israeli colleagues and offer a strong platform for exciting new studies.” This agreement builds upon the Mote-Israel Cooperative Marine Research Program, which supports research initiatives benefitting the environments of both nations. It is also a key component in developing the Mote Center for International Marine Science Diplomacy, which will include multi-national partnerships around the world. As an independent, nonprofit organization, Mote is uniquely poised to create this Center as a catalyst for improving international relations through cooperative marine science action plans that address core environmental issues that cut across political boundaries. Mote and IUI are already celebrating some recent successes, including co-hosting a groundbreaking international workshop on ocean acidification, climate change and corals. During the workshop, researchers from six nations exchanged knowledge and partnered for a marathon of intensive, novel studies. “Israel, Jordan and the Red Sea are not only some of the most significant places in human history — they are a modern hub of marine research, conservation and science-based diplomacy,” Crosby said. “This agreement will be an exciting conduit for collaborations that will serve as a new model for marine science diplomacy worldwide.”

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee awarded an $18,000 grant to support ongoing Mote-Israeli studies. Funds will help Mote and Israeli researchers travel and partner on topics like ocean acidification, fisheries enhancement and sustainable aquaculture — work at the heart of the Mote-Israel Cooperative Marine Research Program. The new grant is the second from the Jewish Federation to support the program. “The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is thrilled to partner once again with the Mote-Israel Cooperative Program,” said Howard Tevlowitz, the Federation’s Executive Director. “Through grants such as this one, our Federation is able to build and strengthen ties between the Sarasota-Manatee community and Israel. We continue to be impressed with the efforts of the scientists involved with this worthwhile project.”

Reconnecting: In 2014, Eugenie Clark had the opportunity to reconnect with Rachel Gordin, who babysat Clark’s children in the 1950s. Gordin (left) holds a copy of Clark’s book. MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

When Dolphins Need Help, Mote Answers the Call Two dolphins have a better chance at long lives thanks to some special help provided by Mote and partners. By Nadine Slimak

2014

was a busy year for Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program — which provides 24/7 response to reports of sick, injured and stranded marine mammals and sea turtles — and our animal hospitals, which treats those that need medical care to return them to health and the wild. As of October (when Mote Magazine went to press), staff had responded to 80 sea turtles and 40 marine mammals in Sarasota and Manatee counties and in the wider region. Here are stories of two rescues.

of fishing gear that could have severed her tail after a life-saving rescue in Little Marco Pass in Collier County.

Skipper: Entangled in Fishing Gear

The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (a partnership between Mote and the Chicago Zoological Society) and Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program, along with team members of the Southeast Regional Marine Mammal Stranding Network went to work.

An 11-month-old female bottlenose dolphin calf is swimming free and clear

The dependent calf was first spotted by members of the 10,000 Islands Dolphin Project, who reported the entanglement to state and federal authorities in August. Trying to disentangle the calf while it was swimming did not work, so NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) — which oversees the protection of marine mammals in U.S. waters — authorized a rescue.

Early on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014, a team of 39 people and six boats gathered at the Collier Boulevard boat ramp near Marco Island. Members of the 10,000 Islands Dolphin Project and a team from Clearwater Marine Aquarium had already been on the water looking for the calf and her mother, Halfway, and had found them. Then, the rest of the crew moved in: One boat set a net to encircle the dolphins, then the net corral was moved to shallower water and team members got into the water and briefly restrained the animals. Veterinarians found that about a foot of metal fishing leader, probably from a trolling rig, was wrapped around the base of Skipper’s tail peduncle and flukes. Left unchecked, the stiff metal wire would have cut deeper into the dolphin and eventually severed her tail. “We are seeing situations like this all too often along Florida’s coasts,” said Dr. Randy Wells, director of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program and the rescue’s coordinator. “This otherwise healthy dolphin calf likely would have died had we not been able to remove the gear. Her entanglement is a prime example of why we humans need to be careful with our fishing gear and watch out for wildlife that lives in our coastal waters.” The rescue team also included Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and FWC Law Enforcement, Sea World, University of Florida and the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Tails: A team removes the fishing line wrapped around Skipper’s tail.

10 MOTE MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2013

Speedy: Stuck in an Unlikely Place An adult male dolphin found himself in an unusual situation when the tide went out and he was caught in a small lake northwest of Everglades City in Collier County. The 8.5-foot dolphin was first spotted by staff of Speedy’s Airboat Tours, who called FWC to report the out-of-habitat animal. “After navigating through miles of narrow, shallow water canals and grass flats by airboat to reach the dolphin, we knew it was unable to leave the area on its own accord and would need to be rescued,” said Denise Boyd, FWC Research Associate. “Based on the dolphin’s size and location, a small team alone could not do the rescue. Therefore, we reached out to the many partners in the area to assist with the relocation effort.” Mote was among five agencies that answered Boyd’s urgent call for help. Without intervention, the animal likely would have died, said Gretchen Lovewell, manager of Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program. “We think the dolphin swam into this area on a very high tide,” she said. “After the tide went out again and without much rain in the area, there was no way he would have been able to get back to Chokoloskee Bay. The water was so shallow that the dolphin spent a lot of time swimming on his side, and the tips of his flukes had signs of scrapes and abrasions from hitting the bottom.” The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program’s Wells called it one of the

Tricky Navigation: Researchers had to navigate narrow mangrove tunnels — and alligators — on this rescue.

MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

Grants for Good Works Mote was awarded a $99,615 grant for its dolphin and whale rescue and rehabilitation efforts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Only 35 such grants totaling about $2.7 million and covering programs in 18 states were given awards in 2014 as part of NOAA’s competitive John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program. Treated and released: The team holds onto Speedy while the animal is treated by a veterinarian before being released.

most challenging rescues of his 44-year career conducting dolphin research and rescues. “There was an 8-foot alligator in the net enclosure we created to capture the dolphin,” Wells said. “We were working in ankle-to-knee-deep mud. And there were miles of shallow, twisting, narrow mangrove tunnels to navigate to get the dolphin back to the bay so it would have a chance to survive. Fortunately, after we got to the bay, the dolphin swam away in good condition.” Before it was released, the animal was outfitted with a satellite-linked tag so Wells can monitor the dolphin’s progress. “Being able to follow the animal after release helps us to know whether a rescue has been successful and guides possible future rescues.” The rescue team included Disney’s Animal Science and Environment program, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and Big Cypress National Preserve, which sent about 25 people to try to rescue the dolphin. Speedy’s Airboat Tours also provided three airboats and the critical local knowledge needed to navigate the area. FWC Law Enforcement provided officers and a large airboat to transport the dolphin to the bay.

You Can Help Rescuing marine mammals takes a group effort — from reports of sick or injured animals to the agencies that authorize rescues to the teams at nonprofit organizations that respond. To help, please donate to Mote online at mote.org/donate.

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This Program, established through an amendment to the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, is a vital source of funds for marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation by members of the NOAA-coordinated National Marine Mammal Stranding Network — including Mote. “Prescott grants are extremely important to us as a nonprofit organization rescuing and rehabilitating marine animals,” said Gretchen Lovewell, manager of Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program. “These grants are the only direct source of federal funds for members of the National Marine Mammal Stranding Network. As part of this network, we are first responders providing emergency aid to dolphins, whales and other marine mammals that might otherwise have no helping hand.” Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program provides 24-hour response to reports of sick, injured and deceased whales, dolphins and sea turtles — all federally protected species — in Sarasota and Manatee counties and is often asked to assist with rescues and large-scale strandings beyond this designated area due to their extensive experience. The program also helps state biologists respond to sick, injured or deceased manatees. The new Prescott funds will support operations, equipment and other key needs of Mote’s dolphin and whale rescue and rehabilitation programs, such as travel to distant rescue sites. It will also strengthen Mote’s diagnostic abilities by supporting the purchase of a MiniXray HF100 + Ultralight Portable X-ray unit. While Prescott funds are vital to animal rescuers, the overall budget for this federal program has been cut in half during recent years. “Only about half of the proposals submitted were funded this year, so we are very grateful and fortunate to receive these funds,” Lovewell said.

Generation “Only about half of the proposals submitted were funded this year, so we are very grateful and fortunate to receive these funds.” — Gretchen Lovewell Another grant — $12,104 from the Sea Turtle Grants Program — supported the purchase of a new boat this year to help with the rescue and recovery of sea turtles and other species. The funds helped purchase a 13-foot Boston Whaler for Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program. Between 2003 and 2013, Mote responded to 697 sea turtles — the most common stranded marine animals locally — and 30 percent of cases during the past year required a marine vessel. Animals found alive are brought to Mote’s hospitals for treatment, while those recovered dead are given a thorough necropsy (animal autopsy). Findings are provided to state and federal wildlife managers and help fuel cutting-edge science. Iain Stephenson from Marine Max Sarasota worked with Lovewell and her team to find the right boat to suit their needs. The Sea Turtle Grants Program is funded from proceeds from the sale of the Florida Sea Turtle License Plate. Learn more at helpingseaturtles.org.

Mote’s 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan includes a focus on supporting the next generation of scientific leaders. This profile on Marine Veterinary Research Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr. Abraham Robinson II, is part of an occasional Mote Magazine series on these up-and-coming scientific experts. Dr. Abraham Robinson II, 33, received his DVM and Ph.D. in May 2012 from Texas A&M University — his Ph.D. focused on environmental and food safety toxicology and his veterinary training emphasized comparative medicine as an area of specialty. He grew up in suburbs north and west of Dallas loving the outdoors and animals and had a natural interest in figuring out how things work — “as my mother can attest to when I took apart some of her household appliances.” Why did he choose marine science and veterinary medicine as a career? “I wanted a career that allowed creativity and the ability to help people,” he said. “I like to solve problems. I loved working with animals and I loved being outdoors. Science offers the ability to do all of these things.” Since coming to Mote, he’s had the opportunity to work with our exhibit animals, in the hospitals with our sick animals before they are returned to the wild and has also responded to strandings of dolphins and whales. On the research side of things, Robinson is focused on Mote Aquaculture Park, which raises fish for human consumption. His goal is to assess and improve domestic and international seafood supply from aquaculture and work to reduce the environmental impact of aquaculture and other agricultural and industrial activities. He became interested in food safety and supply while working with his Ph.D. mentor on the safety of corn in Ghana. “There were a number of natural toxins that were found in the corn from a fungal infestation and their cooking methods. Our lab focus was not only to determine what toxins this population was exposed to, but also to develop a sustainable and socially acceptable solution to remediate the issues.” Part of that work involved looking at biomarkers of exposure, which led to his association with Dr. Dana Wetzel, manager of Mote’s Environmental Laboratory for Forensics, which specializes in finding ways to measure changes in human and animal DNA that indicates health status. Eventually, he joined the staff. “My research training in which I was able to learn about food safety in Ghana was a great experience and really made me want to do something to help ‘save the world,’” Robinson says. “Now, working with the very talented people here at Mote has been amazing and it has motivated me to work harder and learn more so that I can contribute. Rehabilitation of animals to be released back into the wild is so gratifying, and it really makes you feel like you are helping and that you are part of a team.”

MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

Snook Release

Highlights Public-Private Partnership By Nadine Slimak

Scientists with Mote and Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission released hatchery-reared juvenile snook into the wild in August as part of an ongoing program designed to find the most effective methods to replenish and enhance wild snook populations. The species is one of Florida’s most popular sport fish and plays an important role in drawing recreational anglers to the state. According to the American Sportfishing Association, Florida is the top-ranked state in economic output from recreational fishing, which draws $8.6 billion to the economy annually. Saltwater fishing alone generates 80 percent — $6.8 billion — of that income. Snook, along with red drum, are the main test species for restocking efforts statewide. This project — which involved tagging and then releasing more than 2,200 snook into Sarasota Bay over three days — is designed to determine whether snook that have been conditioned for release at Mote have better growth and survival rates in the wild.

gained, we were able to improve the survival rate of stocked fish by more than 200 percent. “We’ve found over time that we can improve the survival of hatchery snook released into the wild by 10 times just by choosing the right habitat,” said Dr. Kenneth Leber, Associate Vice President for Mote’s Directorate for Fisheries and Aquaculture. “We also know that there are limits on how many fish you can put in each habitat before you start to lose hatchery snook. These pilot studies we’re doing now are further defining the best methods for snook stock enhancement.” Such findings are key to developing large-scale stocking techniques that are financially and environmentally feasible and can help rapidly boost populations of species affected by overfishing or natural phenomenon like the 2010 winter cold spell that resulted in the deaths of millions of snook and the closure of the fishery. Snook populations have only recently rebounded on the Gulf Coast from that event enough that FWC was able to reopen the fishery earlier this year.

Ready to go: A snook fingerling This event is a key example of Mote’s is released into Sarasota Bay efforts to develop and support publicThis latest experiment will look at the private partnerships for the conservation survival in the wild of 2,200 juvenile snook that were born and and sustainable use of our marine resources. The snook release raised at Mote Aquaculture Park in eastern Sarasota County. The was possible thanks to a private donation to Mote and from Park is Mote’s aquaculture research and development test-bed funding provided by FWC. For more than 25 years, Mote and where scientists are developing new methods for spawning, FWC scientists have partnered on studies designed to increase hatching and rearing marine species for restocking purposes and the effectiveness of stock enhancement in Florida; their work on for human consumption. Many of these studies are conducted the topic is followed globally. in partnership with FWC biologists. Past Mote and FWC research conducted through pilot snook “FWC and Mote Marine Lab have worked together since 1985 releases that took place between 1997 and 2006 has shown to advance marine stock enhancement in Florida,” said Chris that hatchery-reared fish released into the wild can indeed contribute to the local fishery with the fish growing to adulthood. Young, Director of FWC’s Stock Enhancement Program. “We’re excited to continue our partnership with Mote Marine Lab in And, in fact, tag data recovered following these small-scale support of these snook releases.” pilot release experiments showed that using the knowledge we

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For this release, FWC and Mote biologists inserted PIT tags — passive integrated transponder tags — in the juvenile snook before release. These small, 23 mm-long tags are about the size of a pencil eraser and each one transmits a unique identifying number. The transmissions will be picked up by underwater antennae placed by scientists near the release site in the wild. These antennae will listen for the released snook as they swim by and each time a tagged snook passes through the array, a receiver will record the movement. Scientists will also use seine nets to periodically gather snook and evaluate growth rates, compare performance between wild and hatchery snook and determine whether the released fish are contributing to overall snook abundances.

One key to the study is the conditioning that some of the snook have undergone prior to release, Leber said. “We have a control group of fish that have been raised in traditional aquaculture manner — in bare tanks using artificial feed. We also have a group of conditioned fish that have been fed live prey for three days prior to their release. We’ve also placed structures into their tanks, which mimics the structure fish will have in the wild. We think these two factors will help hatchery-reared snook be more prepared for life in the wild — with a better ability to hide from predators and ready to hunt for prey of their own.”

PHOTOS BY: Rachel S. O’Hara/ Srasota Herald-Tribune

Transfer: Researchers and volunteers move snook from the transport truck to a jon boat for the release.

MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

Mission Critical: Volunteer Groups Boost Mote Reef Restoration

By Nadine Slimak

olunteers from SCUBAnauts International, the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge and Gold Star Teen Adventures joined Mote scientists in our underwater coral nursery for a critical mission this summer: coral reef restoration. Working with Mote scientists, these volunteers helped plant threatened staghorn corals in a special restoration site near Looe Key over two weeks in July. By the end of the mission, the groups planted 850 coral fragments and helped to create another 2,300 fragments that will be grown in Mote’s underwater coral nursery and then planted on the reef. The event also marked the creation of a new restoration area to honor the sacrifices of American servicemen and women set aside on a patch reef about a mile long east of Looe Key. “Our mission with this annual project is multi-faceted,” said Dr. Michael P. Crosby, President & CEO of Mote. “Because we have the southernmost marine research laboratory in the nation, we’re ideally situated with both location and technical expertise to launch major initiatives to restore the only barrier reef in the continental U.S. Expanding our unique Mote-Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge-Gold Star Teens-SCUBAnauts ‘citizen scientists’ partnership also exemplifies our dedication to helping

MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

the public understand ocean ecosystems and in supporting the next generation of scientists. But the most rewarding aspect of this project goes even further by offering us at Mote an opportunity to thank our veterans and their families for the sacrifices they have made.” Sacrifices like those made by Master Sgt. James “Trey” W. Ponder III, who was one of 16 killed conducting combat operations in the Kumar Province in Afghanistan in 2005. The movie Lone Survivor was based on the incident surrounding his death and that of his fellow soldiers. His wife Leslie and children Elizabeth, 15, and Samantha, 16, joined in the restoration trip as participants in Gold Star Teen Adventures, which provides adventure camps to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. “This is our first experience of merging Gold Star teens with Combat Wounded Vets,” Leslie Ponder said. “But they automatically connected… people who aren’t in the military mean well, but they don’t always know what to say. Here, we didn’t have that awkwardness. It was the best today when I turned around on the boat and they were all talking and laughing. It was great.”

PHOTO BY: Joe Berg/Way Down Video

More than seven years ago, Mote established an underwater coral nursery where scientists grow colonies of the threatened staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) for replanting on decimated or damaged sections of reef within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. When the colonies reach a suitable size, small fragments nearly 2 inches long are snipped off and used to create a new colony — similar to the way new plants are grown from cuttings of existing plants.

While SCUBAnauts International member Mia Foisy, 14, of Dunedin, Fla., gets pretty excited about restoring coral reefs, she’s also pretty impressed by the veterans she’s met over the last few years she’s participated in this project. “I like to work with the vets because it reminds me that no matter what, you can keep going. It doesn’t matter what happens, you can always take the next step. Whether you lose a limb or get a concussion, you’re always able to move forward.”

The work done by the volunteers in the nursery during this mission included making new coral fragments from existing colonies and also planting fragments on a patch of reef.

Thanks to work by Mote scientists and these volunteer groups, there are a quarter of a million coral fragments available to restore Florida’s reef.

“It’s been particularly rewarding for us because we get to see the SCUBAnauts in action and we get to see first hand how Mote is working to restore reefs along the coast,” said 32-yearold Billy Costello, retired Sgt. 1st Class, U.S. Army, who lost his right leg above the knee after stepping on a landmine in Afghanistan in 2011.

“This is really an example of Mote’s philosophical approach: partnering with the community, bringing in citizen scientists so that everyone can be engaged together in restoring our shared resource — these valuable coral reefs right here in the Florida Keys. This is a wonderful day and a wonderful program,” Crosby said.

This is the third year that Costello has volunteered in Mote’s coral nursery as a member of the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge. “To be part of that big project is pretty rewarding,” he said.

MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR OUR OCEANS Help Restore Our Coral Reefs

About Our Volunteer Partners Gold Star Teen Adventures provides adventure camps to the surviving youth of Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps Special Operations personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge improves the lives of wounded and injured veterans through rehabilitative high-adventure and therapeutic outdoor challenges while furthering the physiological, biomedical and pathological sciences associated with their injuries. SCUBAnauts International’s mission is to guide young men and women ages 12 through 18 along an exciting pathway for personal development by involving them in the marine sciences through underwater marine research activities, such as special environmental and undersea conservation projects, that build character, promote active citizenship and develop effective leadership skills.

= FREE STUFF! PHOTOS BY: Joe Berg/Way Down Video

FREE Gift Package worth up to $300

Please Help Fund Coral Reef Restoration in Florida! Get YOUR Plate TODAY... www.ReefPlate.com (Ask your Tax collector or tag agency agent for details) Already have a reef plate? E-mail: renewals@ReefPlate.com for a FREE “Thank You” Gift! (Renewal gift does not include Tervis.)

Success: Volunteers plant coral and celebrate their success. Left to right, (bottom photo) Dr. Michael P. Crosby, Mote President, retired U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Billy Costello, SCUBAnaut Jessica Silk, SCUBAnaut Executive Director Jim Cassick and Peter Quintanilla, retired Staff Sgt., U.S. Army.

MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

SPECIAL LECTURE SERIES:

What Happens When a Tree Falls in the Ocean? Why are filter-feeding whale sharks so large and how

Dr. Craig McClain

can gastropods that use a lot of energy to build elaborate shells survive in some of the most energy-deprived places in the ocean? And what happens when a tree falls in the ocean and offers an unusual snack for a variety of creatures? These are just some of the questions that our opening speaker in Mote’s Special Lecture Series, Dr. Craig McClain, is exploring in his work as Assistant Director of Science for the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center. Dr. McClain’s research focuses mainly on marine systems — particularly the biology of body size, biodiversity and energy flow — and he has conducted oceanographic research for 18 years, participating in dozens of expeditions that have taken him to the Antarctic and the most remote regions of the Pacific and Atlantic. In addition to his scientific research, Dr. McClain also advocates the need for scientists to connect with the public and has founded and is chief editor of the acclaimed Deep-Sea News, a popular ocean-themed blog that has won numerous awards. Dr. McClain’s writing has been featured in Cosmos, Science Illustrated and many other publications.

Q A

What is it about the deep sea that makes it a good “laboratory” to study evolution?

The deep sea, those parts of the oceans below 200 meters (nearly 700 feet), is an especially energy limited system.

Given these severe energy constraints, the deep sea provides an exceptionally good system to explore how fluctuations or limitations in energetics impact species, populations, communities and ecosystems.

In one of your projects, you put chunks of wood in the ocean to see what happened. So, when a tree falls in the

ocean, never mind who hears it; we want to know who eats it…

What’s surprising given the rarity and uncertainty of a wooden treat along the deep-sea floor, is that wood falls possess a fauna wholly specialized for living and consuming them. The digestion of a fibrous and solid food source requires talent, a hearty gut and some bacterial help — traits not many species possess. These organisms finish the tree off, tearing it apart from inside and out. Bivalves of the genus Xylophaga use a ridged shell to bore into the wood, ingesting the wood fragments. On their gills they host an endosymbiotic bacteria that can digest their woody snack. But, something extraordinary also happens on wood falls: special bacteria anaerobically breakdown the wood. One of the by-products, sulfide, can be used by chemosynthetic bacteria. These bacteria provide a snack for animals at wood falls.

Q A

Size is a main theme in your research. Why does size matter in evolution?

From accurate measurements of size we can infer much about an organism. In some aspects this is basic physics. The mass of an object dictates friction, acceleration, force and so on. The metabolism of an organism, telling us how much oxygen and carbon an animal consumes, is a function of size as well. Indeed, we have precise mathematical equations, based on studies of closely related species that can tell what the metabolism of such giants would be. Knowing whether a whale shark is 10 tons, 15 tons, or 20 tons lets us know whether a whale shark uses 868, or 1176, or 1,460 light bulbs worth of energy every day. It doesn’t stop with metabolism either. In spite of errors and exceptions, heart rate, speed, growth, lifespan, population size, lifetime reproductive output, range of migration and many more things are all related to size. Body size thus tells us much about how an organism interacts with the world around it.

— The Mote Special Lecture Series is sponsoored in-part by Bob & Jill Williams. We wish to thank them for their generosity. Sp ecial Lectu r e S e ri es

Full Schedule and Details: mote.org/lecture

When: 7:30 p.m. each Monday from Feb. 2 to March

Tickets: Must be purchased in advance at mote.org/

9, 2015 (doors open at 7 p.m. with seating on a first-

lecture. $12 (per ticket per lecture) for Mote Mem-

come, first-served basis)

bers; $15 for non-Members. Students, teachers and

Where: Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, Fla., 34236. Questions: E-mail lecture@mote.org

volunteers without membership can purchase tickets at the Member rate. Contact lecture@mote.org or call 941-388-4441, ext. 264, for discount code. Tickets are nonrefundable unless a lecture is canceled by Mote.

MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

Issues & Impacts

Making the Case for Dugong Conservation in Malaysia PHOTO BY: Kristina Vackova

By Nadine Slimak

n 2013, a group of aquariums, zoos and governmental and nongovernmental organizations came together under a new umbrella called the International Consortium for Marine Conservation (ICMC). This new coalition, hosted by Mote, is dedicated to moving marine science from the lab and into the field where findings can be used to directly address threats to species and habitats. Using the best available science, the members of the ICMC hope to optimize conservation. Now, a new project under way in Malaysia is being conducted by two ICMC member organizations, Mote and MareCet, that are focused on a vulnerable population of dugongs with the goal of saving the nation’s dwindling population and improving human health along the way. Dugongs, (Dugong dugon), are cousins to the Florida manatee and are found in the tropical and subtropical waters of 48

MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

countries — from east Africa to the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. Overall, they’re listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, an international organization that establishes the conservation status of species. Some dugong populations, like the one in Malaysia, are at a locally higher risk of extinction. “We estimate that there are on the order of tens of dugongs left in Malaysia today,” says Dr. John Reynolds, director of the ICMC. “Their population centers seem to be located in areas that we think puts them at great risk from a number of different causes.” Aerial surveys conducted by study leader Dr. Louisa Ponnampalam show the highest dugong populations off the east coast of southern Peninsular Malaysia, in the state of Johor. But this dugong hotspot is also a hotbed of coastal development, a growing oil and gas industry and in the path of a major shipping channel. While there is a protected marine

park in the area (Sibu-Tinggi-Besar islands and surrounding islands), the aerial surveys Ponnampalam conducted in 2010 indicated that dugongs were mainly using habitat outside park boundaries — meaning that the boundaries and dugong habitat needs might not be in sync. Other areas the dugongs frequent are afforded no protections at all. Ponnampalam, a research fellow at the Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences at the University of Malaya and co-founder of the nonprofit MareCet Research Organization dedicated to marine mammal conservation, was awarded a prestigious Pew Fellowship in 2014. She’s using the Fellowship award in-part to conduct a three-year health risk assessment of the dugong population and to help increase grassroots and management support for protecting the species. “We do not know yet the magnitude of the threats that dugongs face here,” Ponnampalam says. “Through this health risk assessment, we will be assessing the habitats in different areas, particularly the sea grasses, and comparing the populations in different areas of Malaysia.” In 2014, Reynolds, who also leads Mote’s Manatee Research Program, and Dr. Dana Wetzel, manager of Mote’s Environmental Laboratory for Forensics, joined Ponnampalam in Malaysia to begin collecting samples needed to address the risks that dugongs face.

might have been exposed to and determine if it had lethal or sublethal effects. But in Malaysia, acquiring biological samples from a decesased animal is a lot more complex, so we’re looking for other ways to determine such impacts.” In August, Wetzel and Reynolds collected samples from seagrasses and sediments, which Wetzel will analyze for contaminants. “We know what the contaminant load is for other animals, so we will be able to extrapolate how much exposure the dugongs are likely getting,” says Wetzel. Assessing the dugong’s health risks is only part of the equation. “Ultimately, we want to translate this into something meaningful for people as well,” Reynolds says. “Many of the coastal communities in Malaysia are subsistence communities. And if the dugongs are being exposed to contaminants, then so are the people.” The regulatory climate can be difficult, the researchers say, with financial interests often trumping the need to protect the environment and a general lack of education and awareness about the significance and importance of the marine environment to humans.

Ponnampalam — excited and hopeful about the future — says that working together through the ICMC is important to the success of her project. “Working together, we gain a better understanding of different ways in which we “Our work in other marine can tackle environmental mammal populations here in issues, management problems Florida and in Alaska and other Research Team: (top photo) Drs. Dana Wetzel, Louisa Ponnampalam and the complexities of and John Reynolds in Malaysia. (Bottom) Ponnampalam and Reynolds parts of the world suggest that conservation and we can sort sediment and seagrass samples. contaminants are a problem improve the science that we — contaminants in the marine want to do so that we are able to environment are ubiquitous,” says Wetzel. And with Malaysia’s take the science to the policy makers and to the stakeholders and oil and gas industry and its location as a major shipping channel say look… ‘the data supports what we have been saying all along.’ with major ports, things like oil spills can be a threat to the I personally never thought I would have an opportunity to venture marine environment. into something like this. We’re going to have the means to inform government and inform stakeholders about what’s wrong and how “It’s interesting,” Reynolds says. “Here in the U.S., we have such we can fix problems together — for the dugongs, for the marine an efficient stranding network that when a marine mammal dies, we can collect biological samples to look at what an animal environment and for the people.” MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

Turtles Affected by Red Tide Long After Blooms Disappear By Kevin Lollar

Tagged: A Kemp’s ridley sea turtle named KC wears a satellite tag before it’s released into Pine Island Sound. Tracking data showed that Kemp’s ridleys seem to avoid red tide areas.

cientists from Mote and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida have made some new discoveries about how red tide affects Kemp’s ridley sea turtles — the world’s most endangered sea turtle species — in a paper

published in the journal Harmful Algae.

“In Southwest Florida and other places in the Gulf of Mexico, estuaries are where immature sea turtles come to feed and grow up,” Schmid said. “Kemp’s ridleys hatch on beaches in Mexico and south Texas, spend a couple of years on the high seas, move to coastal waters for nine or 10 years, then move out offshore with the adults.”

“This is the first research of its kind,” said study co-author Jeff Schmid, environmental research manager at the Conservancy. “We’re looking at wild, free-swimming turtles. All previous red tide studies have looked at turtles that have washed up immobilized or dead.” Red tide is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the alga Karenia brevis undergoes a population explosion. Karenia produces a powerful neurotoxin known as brevetoxin that renders filter-feeders such as oysters, clams and tunicates

Among the study’s findings: Blood from bloom turtles and nonbloom turtles contained brevetoxin, with higher concentrations of brevetoxin in bloom turtle blood. Scientists weren’t surprised that nonbloom turtles had brevetoxin in their systems because other studies had demonstrated that the toxin remains in the environment long after a red tide bloom is over.

poisonous and kills fish, marine mammals, birds and sea turtles — brevetoxin killed more than 300 sea turtles in Southwest Florida during red tides in 2005 and 2006. For the study, Mote and Conservancy researchers took blood from 13 immature Kemp’s ridleys in Pine Island Sound. Nine turtles were sampled during or immediately after red tides in 2012 and 2013 (the bloom group); four were sampled between the red tides (non-bloom group).

MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

The question is whether nonlethal levels of brevetoxin can cause chronic physiological problems for the turtles. “That’s something we’re looking at now,” said Mote’s Dr. Justin Perrault, the study’s principal investigator. “We’re looking at brevetoxin in nesting marine turtles. Every female has tested positive for brevetoxin. The brevetoxin is lasting much longer than we thought, and we’re finding evidence of the transfer of brevetoxin from the mother to the egg, so we need to look at the potential effects of red tide on reproduction and live hatchlings.”

Released: Jeff Schmid, environmental research manager at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, prepares to release a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle named Swifty into a rough Pine Island Sound in October 2012 as Hurricane Sandy moves up the east coast. Researchers from the Conservancy and Mote published a paper that describes the effects of red tide on the endangered species.

Brevetoxin levels were higher in bloom Kemp’s ridleys than free-swimming dolphins exposed to red tide. “That’s mostly a dietary issue,” Perrault said. “A lot of the turtles we found were feeding on tunicates, which are filter feeders that hold brevetoxin in their tissues, versus dolphins, which feed on fish.” The blood of turtles with high concentrations of brevetoxin also contained high levels of a protein called alpha-globulin. “Alpha globulins are indicative of inflammation,” Perrault said. “So, while the animals look outwardly healthy, the globulins are saying, ‘Yeah, we look fine, but there’s something going on inside.’”

With extremely high concentrations of Karenia in Pine Island Sound, one tagged turtle moved into the Gulf and took up residence off Sanibel, and another moved into the Gulf off Estero Island. “The take-home is that they’re avoiding areas with high concentrations of brevetoxin,” Schmid said. “What we don’t have a good handle on is the physiology of how they detect the toxin. There’s a lot more work to be done in that regard.” A lot of work remains to be done on Kemp’s ridleys and red tide in many regards, Schmid said. “The problem is we can’t plan for red tide because blooms are so unpredictable,” he said. “You have to be in the right place at the wrong time, or the wrong place at the right time.”

Satellite tags were attached to bloom turtles, and data indicate the animals could detect the presence of Karenia. “The 2011-2012 bloom remained offshore and alongshore, and the turtles remained in Pine Island Sound,” Schmid said. “Every once in a while, they’d stick their head out a pass and come back in. “The next red tide was also offshore and alongshore, but it was also within the sound. Turtles moved more within the estuary like they were trying to find an area that didn’t have red tide.”

— Kevin Lollar is a long-time science and environmental journalist in Southwest Florida. This story was reprinted with permission from The News-Press in Fort Myers. Follow his reporting at news-press.com.

MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

AQUAPONIC FISH & VEGGIES ARE WORTH THEIR SALT By HAYLEY RUTGER

At Mote Aqauculture Park, researchers are growing red drum and sea vegetables in the same aquaponics system.

altwater fish and gourmet veggies pair up nicely on the dinner table, but their happiest marriage might be in eco-friendly farming.

Mote Aquaculture Park — Mote’s sustainable fish farming facility in eastern Sarasota County — launched a pioneering project this fall to advance marine aquaponics: farming seafood while using the wastewater to fertilize salt-loving crops. This commercial demonstration project, funded by Florida Sea Grant and done in partnership with the University of South Florida and Morningstar Fishermen, is using eco-friendly technology developed at MAP to raise the saltwater fish species, red drum, together with plant species sea purlsane and saltwort — sea vegetables popular in European cuisine. The project aims to bring its tasty results from farm to fork, showing communities a new way to produce food locally for farmers’ markets and restaurants. The project builds on two practices trending in global food production: Aquaculture and hydroponics. Seafood farming today provides nearly half the world’s seafood, while hydroponics — which involves raising greenhouse crops in nutrient-rich water instead of soil — has shown potential for

MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

Researchers move fish into the aquaponics system.

raising crops in small areas or unfertile land. The combination — aquaponics — has gained ground during the past two years in multiple nations; saltwater aquaponics is the newest wave. “Ninety-nine percent of aquaponics involves fresh water, and the few saltwater projects mainly use edible seaweed, so we’re helping broaden the horizons,” said Dr. Kevan Main, manager of the Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture Research Program at Mote. “There’s also demand for red drum, and we believe these gourmet sea vegetables have untapped potential for U.S. markets and chefs. “We want to help other communities adopt saltwater aquaponics, so we’ve created a self-contained and simplified system based on what we’re already using at Mote Aquaculture Park.” The Park is a 200-acre, state-of-the-art aquaculture research facility located 17 miles inland from any large body of water. There, Mote scientists have developed recirculating aquaculture systems that raise freshwater fish while recycling much of the water and raise saltwater fish while recycling 100 percent of the water. The new aquaponics greenhouse system uses diluted saltwater, which will also be fully recycled. “You need a design like this

“You need a design like this if you want to raise fish and vegetables away from the coast...” — Dr. Kevan Main

PHOTO BY: Kevan Main

University of South Florida PhD candidate, Suzanne Boxman, puts sea vegetables on a raft.

A saltwort seedling.

if you want to raise fish and vegetables away from the coast iwhere you can’t pour saltwater on the ground,” Main said. In late September, Mote staff moved the first 200 juvenile red drum into tanks inside the greenhouse, which is designed to produce about 600 fish. In early October they planted 1,100 sprigs of sea purslane (Sesuvium portulacastrum) and 1,100 of saltwort (Batis maritima) into foam rafts atop four water-filled raceways. The plants were donated by Aquatic Plants of Florida. Water begins at the fish tanks and moves through several filters that remove solid waste and allow bacteria to break down harmful ammonia into other nitrogen-rich compounds useful as fertilizer. The fertile water flows through the raceways to feed the plants. As the nutrients run low, the water is passed through a filtering screen and returned to the fish. At each step in this cycle, doctoral student Suzanne Boxman of the University of South Florida will document levels of key nutrients — critical information for knowing how well the system works and helping others emulate it. “We want to know

Dr. Kevan Main, manager of the Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture Program.

detailed study of environmental impact never before done with aquaponics. “This is a novel study, and it’s been great to do this with Mote,” Boxman said, adding that there’s more to love than science: “I like to cook at home, and I can’t wait to taste the vegetables we’ll harvest.” Main hopes others will feel the same way. She plans to sell the plants through local farmers’ markets and distribute the fish through Florida-based wholesalers. The plants might reach harvest size in two months or more and the fish will be ready in nine to 12 months. Ultimately, Mote scientists will share their results locally to nationally with help from Morningstar Fishermen, an organization that provides aquaponics training as one solution to world hunger. “This is just the beginning — we’re finding out how well this system can work,” Main said. “To see the prototype system up and running is so exciting.”

how much and how quickly the various forms of nitrogen, phosphorous and other compounds are removed by the plants,” said Boxman. Her work includes a life cycle assessment — a

MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

MOTE MILESTONES Shark Science “Hall of Fame” Inducts Mote Scientist

Mote Volunteer Receives Volunteer of the Year Award

Shark researchers have placed Mote scientist Dr. Carl Luer in their hall of fame. The American Elasmobranch Society (AES) presented its Distinguished Fellow Award to Luer, who studies disease-fighting traits of sharks and rays to support the quest for better human medical care. AES is the international, professional society for those who study sharks and their relatives the skates, rays, guitarfish and sawfish — a group of fishes called elasmobranchs.

Nigel Mould was recently declared Volunteer of the Year in Sarasota Magazine’s annual Guide to Giving for his dedication to Mote Marine Laboratory and the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program.

The award recognizes career accomplishments that have contributed significantly to the knowledge and understanding of sharks and their relatives. Luer and his colleagues have taken shark research in surprising and promising new directions to learn what sharks and rays can teach us about disease resistance. In laboratory studies, Luer and his Mote colleague Dr. Cathy Walsh have found that substances from shark immune systems inhibit the growth of several human cancer cell lines; today their work is focused on understanding how these substances work at the molecular level so they can isolate and describe the active ingredients to allow for detailed testing in the search for new and improved cancer therapies. This research is funded by the Henry L. and Grace Doherty Charitable Foundation, a Florida High Tech Corridor Industry Seed Grant and numerous matching grants. Eleven people have received the award during the Society’s 30year history, including the famous “Shark Lady” who founded Mote, Dr. Eugenie Clark, along with two of her fellow historymakers at Mote: Dr. Perry Gilbert and Stewart Springer.

MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

Mould volunteers 500 hours annually at Mote, where he has volunteered in animal care, guided visitors in Mote Aquarium, provided outreach through Mote’s Speakers Bureau and helped with special exhibits. Mould served as Mote’s Volunteer Board President from 2010 to 2012, and he is now a Mote Trustee and Chair of Mote’s Development Committee. Mould is also a supporter of sustainable technology and practices, including electric vehicles and solar energy, supporting Electrify the Island at Mote each year. Mould also volunteers about 300 hours a year with the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, a collaboration between Mote and the Chicago Zoological Society that is the world’s longest-running study of a wild dolphin population. With SDRP, Mould helps with dolphin rescues, health-related research and population monitoring, along with prey-fish surveys. Thank you, Nigel!

Mote Aquarium is Tops Mote Aquarium made the Top 10 list of best U.S. aquariums in 2014, according to TripAdvisor’s 2014 Traveler’s Choice awards. The awards honor top travel spots worldwide based on the millions of reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travelers. Winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews for zoos and aquariums worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period. “For those wanting to see the world’s most wondrous creatures, TripAdvisor has named the Travelers’ Choice Zoos and Aquariums, as chosen by the community of millions,” said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. “Travelers can enjoy a fun and educational experience at any of these popular award-winning attractions around the globe.” Here’s what one happy visitor from the UK had to say: “Every time we visit Sarasota we call in at Mote. It is a great place for all the family. Kids love to see the manatees and dolphins, wife and I check in on Hang Tough, the blind turtle. So much for everyone to see here, and the new attraction “Survivors” is brilliant. Will never forget the flamboyant cuttlefish nor the mantis shrimp…”

MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

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Helping Under-Served Students

Connect with Mote

Publix Super Markets Charities recently awarded Mote a $12,500 grant for scholarships to help under-served students in the Sarasota area participate in Mote’s informal science education programs.

Visitors online and in person now have new ways to connect with Mote, thanks to a redesigned website that offers online ticketing and easier access to information about the organization’s many research programs, initiatives and the hands-on experiences.

Grant funds will help K-12 students visit Mote for programs on marine science and coastal ecology. “It’s our pleasure to support such a great organization providing unique outreach to Sarasota and surrounding communities,” said Brian West, Media and Community Relations Manager for Publix Supermarkets, Inc. “The informal science education at Mote helps so many students become more aware, informed and interested in the ocean ecosystems that benefit us all.”

MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

Using video and social media to tell Mote’s story and solidify Mote’s position as a world-class research center, the website is responsive, adaptable and user-friendly on all platforms. It also offers online ticketing as an option for our Aquarium visitors and brings research to the forefront with a spotlight on each of the applied research programs and an interface that allows quick and easy donations. The new site was developed by Mote in partnership with Paradise Advertising, Digital and Entertainment and web developer Big Sea Design Development. Mote has partnered with Paradise — Florida’s leading tourism and hospitality agency — for brand elevation and marketing services.

Are you a Sea Star? You could be! At Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, we know the real stars are the people who support our scientific research, education and outreach programs — Mote Members matter. Mote Members are a community of people inspired by our oceans and invested in protecting them. Immerse yourself in Discovery…

become a Mote Member today.

Memberships start at $65 and include unlimited free admission to Mote Aquarium for one year, express entry and discounts on most purchases and popular programs. Memberships are 100% tax deductible.

MOTE.ORG/MEMBERSHIP

Connect with us #MoteMarineLab MOTE MARINE LABORATORY, INC. IS REGISTRATED WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA #CH1050, UNDER REQUIREMENTS OF THE SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS ACT. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

ceanic Evening LEFT IMAGE: Mote Board Chairman Gene Beckstein with wife Anne and daughter Leslie Tilton. RIGHT IMAGE: Mote Trustee and Event Chair Susan GilmoreClarke and Mote President & CEO Dr. Michael P. Crosby.

Front row, left to right: Elizabeth Moore, Mote Trustee Bob Essner with wife Anne and David Morgan. Back row: Lisa and Bob Morris, Ellen Hanson, Richard Perlman, Sue and Bob Lifeso.

LEFT IMAGE: Ray and Ann Walborn. RIGHT IMAGE: Front Row: Cathy Klettke, Mote Trustee Jeanie Stevenson, Camille Williams. Back row: Jennifer Vigne, Bayne Stevenson.

MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

Our annual black-tie affair, Oceanic Evening, is an opportunity for Mote friends to celebrate our oceans and the marine research, education and outreach programs we undertake to conserve and protect them.

From left to right, front row: Steve Wilberding, Phyllis and Norman Rich, and Teri Hansen. Back row: Mote Scientist Dr. Robert Hueter and wife Allie, Sam Guren, Veronica and Jay Brady.

LEFT IMAGE: Mote Trustee Bob Essner and Kimberley Carreiro. RIGHT IMAGE: Mote Trustee Nigel Mould and wife Nathalie.

LEFT IMAGE: Mote Advisory Council Chairman Dave Dickson and wife Julie. RIGHT IMAGE: Mote Founding Director, Dr. Eugenie Clark, Dr. Michael P. Crosby, Mote President & CEO, and wife, Sharon. MOTE MAGAZINE | ANNUAL 2014-2015

1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236-1004

NON Profit org. U.S. Postage PAID Lebanon Junction, KY Permit #698

(941) 388-4441 www.mote.org

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As a 30-year volunteer and adjunct scientist at Mote Marine Laboratory, Ruth DeLynn spent decades building one of the most important and extensive collections of cetacean bones in the nation. For her work, Ruth, who died in August, was fondly known around the Lab and to many in the community and across the nation as “The Bone Lady.” Ruth began volunteering at Mote after retiring from the American Museum of Natural History in New York. “Her passion really impressed me the most,” said Dr. Kumar Mahadevan, Mote’s President Emeritus, who met her when she first became a volunteer. “She really helped us understand how important it was to develop this collection and all of the information we could gain by developing it. Then she set off to make it happen. Her husband Hubert was her best friend and a real cheerleader for her creation of the collection and, through it, she really made a difference.” Today, the collection that Ruth spent thousands of hours curating is allowing researchers like Gretchen Lovewell, manager of Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program, to make new discoveries about the cryptic lives of dolphins and whales. In one such study published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE, Lovewell and her colleagues reported the discovery of a new hybrid species of dolphin. “If Ruth hadn’t developed the collection and continued to build it over time, we would never have found this new hybrid species,” Lovewell said. “Ruth’s collection really is leading us to make new discoveries.”

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But Ruth did more than spend time preparing the collection and meticulously organizing it. She also set up special funds through the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to help financially support Mote and other charities in the community. Thanks to these funds, Ruth’s good work will continue for generations to come. “Mote was very fortunate to have Ruth as part of our family, and we’re glad that her work will live on through this collection and through her generosity,” said Mote President & CEO, Dr. Michael P. Crosby.

Anna Hayes, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving In 2005, Anna Hayes joined Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium as a Development Officer at Mote Aquaculture Park and quickly rose to become the Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving until her death in 2014. Her kind and generous spirit was felt by all and helped her build deep and caring relationships with the Mote Board of Trustees, donors, staff and volunteers. Anna developed Mote’s first planned-giving program, which helped build Mote’s endowment and will serve as a lasting legacy for her work. She will also be greatly missed by her Mote family and many friends in our community.

For more information on estate planning and Mote’s planned giving program, please contact the Development Office at 941-388-4441, ext. 309.