July 6, 2025, marked the final day that Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s City Island facility welcomed general public visitors. The organization is now focused on the launch of its new home, the Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA), at Nathan Benderson Park.
The City Island campus will continue to serve as a hub for marine research and education, while public aquarium operations are relocated to Mote SEA.
Construction and Scope
The $130 million project began in 2023 at a site near Interstate 75 and University Town Center Mall. The new facility spans 110,000 square feet, nearly double the size of the City Island aquarium, and is designed to serve close to 700,000 visitors annually. The City Island facility averaged about 333,000 visitors.
The first floor features three STEM teaching laboratories and the Gulf of Mexico habitat, which will serve as the centerpiece of the new facility.
Education and Community Reach
Mote SEA is based on the motto “Oceans for All.” It will provide free hands-on marine science education to 70,000 students annually from Sarasota and Manatee counties. The facility will also offer 24,000 Title 1 school students free Family Day passes each year. (wusf.org)
Interactive exhibits and modern teaching labs are intended to make science accessible for a wide range of visitors.
Timeline and Conditions
The opening date of Mote SEA has not been announced. Officials say the timing depends on two conditions:
- Water chemistry and microbial life in the new exhibits must stabilize. This includes a “leaching” process to ensure that building materials such as shotcrete and paint do not affect water quality. Once stable, microbial communities will be established to support animal health.
- Animals must complete quarantine, transport, and acclimation under Association of Zoos and Aquariums standards. The aquarium will not open until the animals are fully settled.
The project was originally projected to open in early 2025, but was delayed by hurricanes and technical requirements for aquatic stability. (brightgram.com)
Transition and Future Plans
Since July 7, 2025, City Island operations have focused on preparing animals and staff for the move, including training for the new site. No furloughs are expected during this transition.
After Mote SEA opens, the City Island campus will become an International Marine Science and Technology Innovation Park. It will expand research, restoration, and conservation efforts.
