Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Mote—founded in 1955 in Placida and based at City Island, Sarasota, for most of its history—has grown into an international marine science enterprise firmly rooted in our southwest Florida community.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium are the ocean’s champions—the best and brightest scientists, educators and stewards committed to healthy marine ecosystems and all those who depend on them. Their mission began in 1955 when pioneering scientist and “Shark Lady” Dr. Eugenie Clark founded a one-room marine lab in Florida. Today, their impact spans the globe.
In 2025, Mote and the community celebrated a major milestone: Opening the new Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota County. Mote SEA is vastly expanding Mote’s educational reach.
This exciting change will allow Mote to transform our original Aquarium’s footprint on City Island into much-needed space for our growing mission of research and science-based conservation. Ultimately, our City Island home will transform into an International Marine Science & Technology Innovation Park.
Address:
Mote SEA (public aquarium)
225 University Town Center DriveSarasota, FL 34243
941-388-MOTE
Website: