With all the discussion about the possibility of a Mote aquarium in Punta Gorda, perhaps the most important element of a prospective Mote aquarium has been overlooked — research. Mote is not primarily in the aquarium business. The full name of Mote is Mote Marine Laboratory with laboratory being the key word.

This enterprising non-profit institute is world famous for its cutting edge research. I’ll highlight two of the interesting Mote research studies underway and how an aquarium in Punta Gorda may help extend research being done at Mote.