When does the new Mote aquarium open near I-75? Here’s why it’s complicated
For two years, Mote Marine has been constructing its new Science Education Aquarium near the University Town Center Mall.
Originally projected to open in early 2025, Hurricane Helene and Milton’s devastating damage delayed the $130 million facility from opening, but an exact date for Mote Marine SEA’s opening have not been announced.
There are two reasons for the uncertainty: getting the water chemistry in the new aquarium correct and getting the animals quarantined, transferred and acclimated to their new home, Mote Marine explained on its website.
“A majority of the themed habitats at Mote SEA include ‘shotcrete’ and paint,” Mote Marine said. “It’s critically important that those habitats are removed of all soluble components, which is done through a process known as leaching.”
Shotcrete is a type of concrete or mortar sprayed onto surfaces. Mote Marine’s statement on its website said leaching varies in how long it takes to complete.
Mote explains SEA opening delays
“Once that occurs, critical life support microbial communities are inoculated into exhibit life support systems and must become stabilized before multi-cellular animal inhabitants of the exhibits are introduced,” the statement reads.
General admission at Mote SEA won’t open until that process is complete and all of the animals are acclimated to their new habitats.
“The health, safety and welfare of all animals under Mote’s care is the top priority,” Mote’s website statement said. “Mote is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and follows animal transfer protocols adopted as best practices across peer institutions.”
Each animal will undergo a quarantine protocol, then a transfer to Mote SEA where they are “monitored for veterinary acclimation signals,” the statement said.
Mote Marine leaders have described the new aquarium, which will hold over 1 million gallons of water and provide hands-on learning opportunities for nearly 70,000 Manatee and Sarasota students, as a resource for marine science education “unlike any other experience in the country.”
“Most aquariums are really focused on bringing the animals to life, but we’re really going to bring that education to life here too,” Aly Busse, Mote Education’s associate vice president, told the Bradenton Herald during a behind-the-scenes tour in April 2024.
In its first year, the 110,000-square-foot, three-story Mote SEA facility is expected to attract more than 700,000 visitors, the Bradenton Herald previously reported. That’s more than double the annual attendance at the City Island location.
Since 1980, Mote Marine’s aquarium was open to the public on Sarasota’s City Island. Sunday, July 6, was the last day for admission, but the City Island location will remain open for research, conservation and education programs, according to Mote.
Mote Marine began as a marine research laboratory in 1955. Researchers with Mote Marine have been featured on the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week.
When Mote SEA’s grand opening is announced at a later date, tickets will be available for purchase. Parking will be free to Mote SEA visitors, and there is a Sarasota County bus station next to the main parking lot.
This story was originally published July 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM.
