Mote Marine Laboratory has just announced that they are exploring the feasibility of expanding their conservation and
outreach programs in the region. At the same time Southwest Land Developers released information that they along with members of TEAM Punta Gorda have been in discussions with the nonprofit Mote
Marine Laboratory, based in Sarasota, regarding the possibility of opening a
new aquarium in Punta Gorda.
“A new aquarium featuring the unique habitats and wildlife
of Charlotte Harbor would be a boom to the local economy and help draw even
more visitors to the area,” said Bruce Laishley of Southwest Land Developers.
“We believe that Mote — with its history in Charlotte County along with its
expertise in marine science research and public outreach and education — would
be the ideal partner in this effort."
"An aquarium could include up to 60,000 square feet of
exhibit space together with a research and education component." he added. Sites in downtown Punta Gorda are being considered for the location of the Aquarium.
Recently, Thomas Kerr, current President of TEAM Punta
Gorda, had approached Mote about the potential for expanding their presence to the south.
These discussions led to further contacts with other members of the community
who have been leading the way for the redevelopment of Charlotte County,
including Bruce Laishley of Southwest Land Developers, Inc.
"Mote has been following the redevelopment of the area since
Hurricane Charley and is interested in supporting any expansion in the region’s
economy," said Dan Bebak, Vice President of Mote Aquarium.
“We have been working with Dr. Kerr and Mr. Laishley to
explore different possibilities to determine whether it is financially feasible
for us to expand our programs,” Bebak said. “At this time, no plans have been
agreed upon or finalized and the discussions remain in the early stages.”
Mote has a long history in the Charlotte County community — when
Mote opened its doors in 1955 as the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory, it was based
in Placida. While infrastructure needs eventually forced the Lab to move north,
we have long maintained an interest in the health of the region’s environment
and in public outreach related to it.
Mote played a strong role in the establishment of the
Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program in 1995 and, more recently, created
the Charlotte Harbor Initiative, which brought together marine researchers of
all types to focus on the ecology and health of the Harbor.
In 2001, Mote established their Charlotte Harbor Field Station
on Pine Island. While the first station was destroyed in 2004’s Hurricane
Charley, they were later able to relocate the facility, which remains the base
for ongoing studies of snook and tarpon populations. As a nonprofit organization, Mote’s core mission remains
marine research and public outreach related to our shared marine environment. Their announcement noted that Charlotte County has long been important to Mote and that it would be a wonderful
homecoming if they were able to expand their presence in the region.
