The animal rescue and recovery team at Mote Marine Laboratory will soon be able to help more marine life.
The group recently received more than $12,000 from the Sea Turtle Grants Program to buy a new boat. The boat will help Mote's respond to help distressed sea turtles, dolphins and whales. It will also help scientists conduct research about the threats these animals face.
The new boat is a 13-foot Boston Whaler, and it will be used for Mote's Stranding Investigations Program. The program is a 24-hour response service for sick, injured and stranded sea turtles, dolphins and small whales.
Between 2003 and 2013, Mote crews have responded to help 697 sea turtles, which is the most common kind of marine animal that becomes stranded in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
The animals that are found alive are brought to Mote's hospitals for treatment. The ones that are dead when they are found are necropsied.
The Sea Turtle Grants Program is funded with proceeds from the sale of the Florida Sea Turtle License Plate. Officials said the laboratory worked closely with Marine Max Sarasota to significantly reduce costs for the new boat.
For more information about marine animal strandings, visit mote.org/news/environment-updates#tips.