Dr Michael P. Crosby is president and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, a renowned marine research institution and public aquarium in Sarasota, Florida. Mote Marine’s mission is to advance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans through research, education, and public outreach.
Mote operates as both a research facility and a public education centre and has made significant contributions to marine science. The Mote Aquarium is the public-facing part of the institution, offering interactive exhibits that educate visitors about marine life and research. It showcases more than100 species of marine life, including sharks, manatees, sea turtles, and various types of fish and invertebrates.
Dr Michael Crosby has been president and CEO of Mote since 2013. Before this, he served for three years as Mote’s senior vice president for research.
Crosby has spent over 30 years in research, teaching, science management, and leadership, developing and conducting multidisciplinary research through involvement with universities, science and resource management agencies, programs, and committees. He has played a significant role in leading national and international research programmes and developing national policy for science programmes.
Speaking to blooloop, he explained that his interest in marine science and conservation began with his childhood in Florida:
“I was born on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico here in Florida. Weeks later, we moved to Key West. Back in those days, around 1960, the Florida Keys had about 60% living coral cover. I was always in and around the ocean and wanted to learn more about it. I’ve always been fascinated. My earliest memories have always been a fascination with the ocean and wanting to learn more.”
One of the projects that Dr Michael Crosby has overseen at Mote is the Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA), a new facility that promises to revolutionise marine science education and conservation.