Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

Protect our reefsflorida's coral reef is the third-largest barrier coral reef system in the world. It provides essential ecological services, protects coastlines from major storm impacts and is crucial to Florida's economy, with an asset value of $8.5 billion.this natural treasure has declined drastically over the past few decades due to major coral disease outbreaks, local to regional human impacts, heat-driven coral bleaching, and long-term climate change that is stressing corals in Florida and around the world.mote Marine Laboratory's protect our reefs program focuses on addressing these and other challenges by supporting coral reef research, restoration, conservation and education in Florida. The protect our reefs (por) specialty license plate was approved by the Florida legislature in july 2003 and is available to florida-licensed drivers. Each plate sale provides $25 for reef research, restoration, conservation and education in Florida, including a special protect our reefs grants program. 37.5% of revenues support grants and an additional 37.5% of revenues supports Mote's coral reef research and restoration. In general, por grant priorities are similar to those outlined by a number of federal and state agencies, and research organizations, along with various governmental, local community and non-profit advisory groups, with respect to coral reef research and other related coral reef program priorities. Because of the need to strategically focus the por plate's limited resources on critical challenges coral reef ecosystems are currently facing, priority for funding in all categories of por proposals (research, education and conservation) will be on coral reef restoration projects, including the research of new restoration methods that further the enhancement of coral genetic diversity and resiliency in the restoration of coral reef ecosystems. Education and public outreach proposals directly related to science-based restoration of coral reef ecosystems will also be considered. Other quality proposals will be given careful consideration, but the priority focus will be on projects that significantly enhance the capabilities of coral reef ecosystem resource managers to more effectively use science-based information in promoting and implementing restoration and long-term sustainable use of these ecosystems. Priority will be given to projects whose deliverables associated are clearly defined and aligned with coral reef restoration actions. The por will accept creative proposals that address novel coral reef restoration ideas and concepts that may require initial support to test their merit. The por encourages scientists that meet the "young-investigator" criteria to note that on their applications. Membershipwith over 9,200 Mote members; fy2023 revenues remained strong at nearly $1.1 million. Annual memberships continue to provide unrestricted funds that are allocated to where the need is greatest; providing support for Mote's overall mission of Marine research, conservation and education. Membership levels begin at $95 for an individual and rise to $1,000 for a party of 10. Membership benefits include unrestricted visits to Mote aquarium; discounts in the aquarium gift shops and virtual reality experiences, free member-only events; discounts on education programs, camps and experiences, special pricing and early bird ticket sales to Mote special events and free and discounted admissions to more than 100 reciprocal zoos, aquariums and gardens across the united states. For a complete list of membership levels, benefits and opportunities, please visit mote.org/membership.