Steube Attends Groundbreaking Ceremony for Mote Marine’s Science Education Aquarium, Praises Efforts to Educate Floridians about Fishery Ecosystems
SARASOTA, FLA. – U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today gave remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for Mote Marine’s Science Education Aquarium at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota County.
“Florida’s fisheries and aquatic ecosystems are an important part of our diverse and thriving environment, and this aquarium will be a model in how to take vital marine science research information and make it accessible and translatable to the general public,” Steube said. “Educating future generations will ensure lasting success for our fishery, coastal, and inland ecosystems.”
The Science Education Aquarium is a $130 million-dollar project and will be located on 12 acres between the Nathan Benderson Park and the Mall at University Town Center in Sarasota County. The aquarium is expected to attract around 700,000 visitors per year.
In his remarks, Steube praised Mote for working alongside the Coastal Conservation Association and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to restock Charlotte Harbor with snook after the devastating effects of red tide.
Steube has taken many initiatives to protect Florida’s aquatic ecosystems in Congress. Recently, Steube’s request for mechanical harvesting language was included in this year’s appropriations package. This includes the use of safe alternatives to spraying chemicals into Florida’s lakes and waterways and will help Florida control invasive species without sacrificing the water quality of Lake Okeechobee and surrounding watersheds.
