Proclamation

Mote Marine Laboratory Coral Restoration Day

Whereas, Mote Marine Laboratory has been at the forefront of marine research, technology, development, science education and public outreach since its founding as the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory in Placida, Florida, in 1955;

Whereas, with a desire to expand its research activities in the Florida Keys that began in 1993, Mote Marina Laboratory purchased property on Summerland Key in 2000 and established the Mote Marine Tropical Research Laboratory;

Whereas, in 2017, Mote opened the Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration and the Alfred Goldstein Institute for Climate Change Studies at their Summerland site;

Whereas, in 2018, Mote Marine Laboratory partnered with the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation to construct and open the Coral Reef Exploration Exhibit which provides both visitors and residents of Islamorada a beautiful and educational view of the unique coral reef ecosystem of the Florida Keys and the challenges it faces;

Whereas, on Ocean Day, June 8, 2020, Mote Marine Laboratory established a partnership to develop Islamorada’s first land-based coral nursery at Bud ‘N Mary’s Marina, where marine research, science education and public outreach will take place in an ongoing effort to restore reefs off the coast of Islamorada and educate the public on the importance of the conservation and preservation of Florida’s Coral reef;

Whereas, for nearly three decades, Mote Marine Laboratory has greatly contributed to the knowledge of and scientific advancement of areas of coral health, disease and reef restoration in the Florida Keys including an innovative technique pioneered by Mote scientists – the micro fragmentation and fusion method – being used to rapidly cover a variety of substrates with coral tissue;

Whereas, Mote Marine Laboratory has been recognized by the International Coral Reef Institute as a world leader in coral conservation and research;

Whereas, in recognition of the vital role Mote Marine Laboratory serves in enhancing the environment and quality of life of its citizens, and for bringing coral reef restoration science and success to Islamorada on the milestone occasion of planting 100,000restored corals, the Village of Islamorada wishes to recognize and applaud the efforts of the Mote Marine Laboratory trustees, staff and volunteer groups.

Now, therefore, I, Joseph B. Pinder, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of Islamorada, Village of Islands, do hereby proclaim, May 14, 2021 as

“MOTE MARINE LABORATORY CORAL REEF RESTORATION DAY”

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the official seal of Islamorada, Village of Islands, Florida.

Mayor Joseph B. Pinder