The aquarium’s mainland rebirth allows City Island
to transform into an expanded hub to grow Mote’s
research enterprise. That vision encompasses adequate
space for additional Mote scientists, visiting scientists
from around the world, and science and technology
entrepreneurs with the capability to realize the market
potential of groundbreaking research. That research
includes discovery of infection- and cancer-fighting
compounds from the sea, ocean sensing technology
and sustainable fish farming methods, which have
the potential to impact the quality of life for millions.
Mote’s vision for the new aquarium, which is being
designed by the CambridgeSeven architectural firm,
is equally expansive. It will have public space of
110,000 square feet, significantly larger than the
current aquarium’s 66,000 square feet. More than
1 million gallons of seawater exhibits are planned,
compared to about 400,000 gallons today, and they
are expected to expand on Mote’s current display
of more than 100 marine species. They will feature
sharks, manatees, sea turtles, otters, seahorses,
jellyfish and other marine life as well as ecosystems
from around the world. Visitors’ experience will
be heightened with augmented reality technology.
“When people see it, we want them to go, ‘Wow,
that is incredible’,” Crosby said. “The building
itself is designed to be an exhibit.” At night, the
aquarium’s exterior will display still images and
video of marine animals, the ecosystem and research
endeavors. “Once people come in the door, they
will be warmly embraced or smacked in the face
with science. However you look at it, it won’t be
your grandfather’s aquarium,” he said. “You will be
immersed in science from virtual reality experiences
to seeing students actively engaged with their teachers
and our scientists in hands-on experience with STEM
activities.” Visitors also will be able to participate
in interactive teaching labs, onsite diving programs,
and discover what it’s like to be a marine scientist
by participating in Mote’s citizen-scientist projects.
This marine science and research focus expands
upon efforts at the current aquarium, which recently
completed an every-five-year accreditation by the
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). A study
of 228 AZA member institutions also named Mote
the second most research-productive member with
its inclusion in 641 research publications, closely
behind the Smithsonian National Zoological Park,
which had 650 publications.
Depending on timely completion of Mote’s
$130 million fundraising effort, Oceans for All:
Improving Access to Marine Science and Technology
(941.388.4441/moteoceansforall.org), construction
is planned to begin in late 2019 and be completed
by late 2021. To date, funds already have been
committed for 20 percent of the new aquarium’s
cost. Discussions also are underway with Sarasota
46 SARASOTA SCENE | MAY 2018
/moteoceansforall.org