HR 9013

1	House 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 academics 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 House of Representatives of the State of
46	Florida:
47
48	That Mote Marine Laboratory is recognized for its tireless
49	pursuit of answers to some of the ocean's most pressing
50	questions, is commended for sharing its knowledge with the
51	world, and is congratulated on the occasion of its 55th
52	anniversary year.
53	BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be
54	presented to Dr. Kumar Mahadevan, President of Mote Marine
55	Laboratory, as a tangible token of the sentiments expressed
56	herein.

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.