Mote's Summerland Key research facility receives approval

Mote Marine Laboratory received approval from the Monroe County Commission Wednesday to expand its international center for coral reef research in the Florida Keys.

The research center, located on Summerland Key, was granted a non-residential rate of growth ordinance that oficiallt allows the center to expand in four planned phases.

In February, Mote announced plans to build a new lab on site to enhance the organization’s scientific and educational infrastructure and expand research programs focused on restoring damaged reefs and studying climate change and ocean acidification.

“We are grateful for the County’s decision to approve this exemption, which will help us move toward our goal of breaking ground in January 2016 for this cutting edge international center for coral reef research,” said Dr. Michael Crosby, Mote President and CEO, in a news release. “This new research facility in the Florida Keys will significantly enhance our ability to serve as a center of excellence in marine science, education and conservation-addressing the global threats facing coral reefs

Researchers at Mote’s Summerland Key research facility are growing thousands of coral fragments in nurseries in the wild using naturally occurring generic strains that are believed to most likely survive changing ocean conditions.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].