Florida Senate - 2010            (Corrected Copy)(NP)    SR 2298
       
       
       
       By Senator Bennett
       
       
       
       
       21-02208A-10                                          20102298__
    1                          Senate Resolution                        
    2         A resolution recognizing Mote Marine Laboratory on the
    3         occasion of its 55th Anniversary.
    4  
    5         WHEREAS, housed in a 12-foot-by-20-foot shed in Placida,
    6  Florida, Mote Marine Laboratory was created in 1955 as the Cape
    7  Haze Marine Laboratory by the now-famous shark researcher Dr.
    8  Eugenie Clark, with backing from William and Alfred Vanderbilt,
    9  and
   10         WHEREAS, during its first decade of existence, the
   11  laboratory experienced a substantial growth in its reputation as
   12  well as its facilities and, under the guidance of many people,
   13  including former directors, benefactor William R. Mote, and
   14  current president Dr. Kumar Mahadevan, now encompasses eight
   15  buildings dedicated to research, education, and conference space
   16  on its 10.5-acre campus in Sarasota, with research and education
   17  also conducted in an inland aquaculture park in Sarasota and in
   18  field stations in Charlotte Harbor and the Florida Keys, and
   19         WHEREAS, starting with only a handful of researchers
   20  focused solely on sharks, Mote Marine Laboratory is now a
   21  powerhouse of near-shore marine research, studying everything
   22  from sharks to red tide to marine mammals to fisheries at seven
   23  centers, and today, as one of the world's few remaining
   24  independent marine research centers, boasts more than 190 staff
   25  members and 1,300 volunteers who contribute more than 200,000
   26  hours, and
   27         WHEREAS, Mote Marine Laboratory has also made a significant
   28  commitment to public education through its aquarium, which draws
   29  approximately 350,000 visitors annually, and through its online
   30  campus and distance learning program that reaches more than
   31  28,000 K-12 and college students, and
   32         WHEREAS, Mote Marine Laboratory has earned international
   33  recognition for its contributions to the greater body of
   34  scientific knowledge and public education relating to fragile
   35  marine and estuarine ecosystems, and
   36         WHEREAS, Mote Marine Laboratory has significant research
   37  and academic partnerships with various members of the State
   38  University System and has entered into a landmark affiliation
   39  agreement with the University of South Florida that allows two
   40  of the state's leading research institutions to join forces in
   41  new science ventures, provide expanded learning programs, and
   42  create economic development opportunities for the region and
   43  state, NOW, THEREFORE,
   44  
   45  Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:
   46  
   47  That the Senate recognizes Mote Marine Laboratory for its
   48  tireless pursuit of answers to some of the ocean's most pressing
   49  questions, is commended for sharing its knowledge with the
   50  world, and is congratulated on the occasion of its 55th
   51  anniversary year.
   52         	BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution
   53  be presented to Dr. Kumar Mahadevan, President of Mote Marine
   54  Laboratory, as a tangible token of the sentiments expressed
   55  herein.