Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium has called this region home since we opened our doors in 1955. As scientists who study the Gulf of Mexico and educators who teach the public about this unique body of water, we understand why you have chosen this area to purchase your new property.
Buying property is an important decision at anytime. Buying property right now, however, may come with some additional questions given the environmental concerns caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
All of us at Mote share your concerns. Will oil directly impact our coastal communities? What will happen to the animals that live in the Gulf of Mexico?
There are no easy answers to these questions. But there are some things you should know.
Southwest Florida is more than 300 miles (480 kms) away from the spill's epicenter. That means oil will have to travel far to reach our shores. In the meantime, it will be at the mercy of ocean currents and weather patterns that are much more likely to carry it elsewhere.
A more likely occurrence – if we see any impacts at all – would be the appearance of oil that is degraded, such as ”floating tar balls and / or scattered patches of weathered oil, perhaps mixed with Sargassum (algae) or other floating material,” according to NOAA. This is much easier(and faster) to clean up.
Each Florida county bordering the Gulf of Mexico – including those in Southwest Florida – has coordinated, carefully reviewed action plans in place to respond, should weathered oil begin affecting our shores.
The hundreds of employees, thousands of volunteers and members of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium look to the Gulf of Mexico for sustenance and recreation. Mote has been here for 55 years and we will remain here – vigilant in our efforts to understand and protect the Gulf of Mexico.
This region is our home – our habitat, if you will. We are committed to the Gulf itself and to playing and important role in it's conservation.
More Online
Find out how Mote scientists are responding to the spill and how you can help at www.mote.org/oilresponse.
View Mote's Beach Conditions Report at www.mote.org/beaches.
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