MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. -- Mote Marine Laboratory has received $100,000 from the state to help recover and rescue scores of marine animals affected by Florida's red tide. 

  • Mote receives red tide aid from the state
  • State gave Mote $100,000 

The state executive order 18-221 was announced Aug. 13 -- after Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties -- sending aid to responders in their efforts to combat red tide. 

“Mote Marine Laboratory is extremely grateful for the rapid emergency response support that the state’s Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Department of Environmental Protection have provided for our scientists to address urgent needs caused by this Florida red tide event,” said Dr. Michael P. Crosby, President & CEO of Mote. “Part of this emergency support will allow Mote's Stranding Investigation Program to respond to a significant increase in reports of sick and dead sea turtles, manatees and dolphins.  Mote staff have: recovered or rescued more than 165 sea turtles since the start of 2018; recovered 12 deceased bottlenose dolphins between August 7 and 13; recovered two large manatee carcasses on August 4 and 6 for our partners at FWC; and we continue to be ready to respond around the clock while also working tirelessly to learn all we can from these recovered marine animals.”

The executive order also directs $500,000 for an emergency grant program by VISIT FLORIDA to aid the state’s tourism-based economy, and $900,000 for Lee County red tide cleanup efforts.