Sharks in the Lab
Located in Sarasota, Florida, the Mote Marine Laboratory is an international center for the study of marine and environmental sciences. It’s also the world’s largest shark lab. Mote has focused on shark research since its founding in 1955, and in 1992, the U.S. Congress established it as the national center for shark research. Mote’s Center for Shark Research is responsible for collecting and distributing information about sharks to other scientists around the world. Its scientists also advise the National Marine Fisheries Service and other agencies on fisheries management plans.
Why Study Sharks?
One reason is because of their value to the ecosystem as top predators. Another is that sharks have great economic value, both commercially and recreationally. “But the last and the reason that we really deal with here at Mote Marine Laboratory is their role in research,” replies Hueter. “We conduct research on these animals that runs from molecules all the way up to whole populations.”
|