Dear *|MERGE6|*,

As a Mote Volunteer, I’m sure you know that sea turtle nesting season is in full swing. This is a special time for us at Mote Marine Laboratory when hundreds of dedicated volunteers like you help us track, monitor and protect the nests of these endangered and threatened species as they nest along our beaches.

The past two seasons have been phenomenal for our turtle populations with a record-setting year in 2012 that was nearly matched in 2013. This year, we were also thrilled when a Venice resident shared with us video he took of a rare Kemp’s ridley sea turtle nest laid on the beach. We hope this is a sign of the beginning of another successful nesting season.

At Mote, we not only track and protect nests of these endangered species, we rescue, rehabilitate and care for many sick and injured sea turtles. Last year, we rescued a nearly 300-pound loggerhead sea turtle named Murph, who had been tethered by fishing-gear entanglements that caused deep lacerations cutting all the way to his bone. Murph was cared for by our hospital staff until he was ready to be returned to the wild. But before we released him, we outfitted Murph with a satellite transmitter that allowed us to track his progress in the wild. Mote is unique in that we combine rescue, rehabilitation and scientific monitoring post-release, which allows us to better prepare and adapt strategies to restore and protect whole populations of endangered and threatened species.

Today, I am also delighted to share with you Mote’s 2013 Annual Report that showcases some of the other significant impacts from our research and education initiatives. Our sea turtle research, care and conservation is just one example of the important work Mote is doing to make the world a better place. Help us to sustain our exceptional research, education and conservation initiatives that allow us to understand, protect and save some of the treasured resources and species in our planet by investing in our Annual Fund,Waves of Support. To donate, please visit us here or call 941-388-4441 ext. 415 for assistance.

I want to thank you for your ongoing volunteer support. Together, we are advancing important objectives and achieving great results.

Sincerely,


Michael P. Crosby, Ph.D., FLS
President & CEO
 

Staff release Johnny, a Kemp’s ridley
sea turtle that was rehabilitated at Mote.
 

1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34236-1004

www.mote.org
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