Mote Marine Laboratory Discussing Possibility of New Aquarium in Punta Gorda

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.