The fish in the tanks at Mote Aquarium are hardly the only ones upon which researchers at Mote Marine Laboratory place their attention. At a community event this week in Tampa, Mote officials focused on the launch of its Fisheries Conservation and Enhancement Initiative, a $6-million drive focused on the fish populations in Sarasota Bay. 

“We work closely with the local fishing community, and feel strongly about a partnership with folks who make their living on the water,” said Dr. Michael Crosby, Mote president and CEO. He notes that saltwater fishing has a $7-billion economic impact each year on the Florida economy, and said it was crucial scientists stay involved in finding the best ways to ensure that industry is a sustainable one. “We’ll be very focused on getting a better handle on essential fish habitats here,” he said. 

The $6-million initiative is being largely financed by Barney and Carol Barnett, Crosby said. The couple committed $3 million and challenged the community to raise the other half of the funding. Crosby said the the effort will focus on certain populations of fish, primarily snook but also mullet and other species. All of it goes to making sure a balance is achieved so that fish populations thrive and enough are in the water in plentiful enough numbers to keep fishermen busy.