Photos: Sneak peek at Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) as construction continues

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium gave a behind-the-scenes look at its Mote Science Education Aquarium, as construction continues.

The acrylic panels for the Gulf of Mexico habitat – the largest at Mote SEA, featuring a 400,000-gallon tank – were installed in December 2023, followed by the rest of the main habitats throughout the aquarium. Beginning in March, teams began to fill the habitats with water to test for potential leaks.

Stairways to the second and third floors have been completed and a complex network of plumbing and life support systems – necessary to breathe life into the one million gallons of habitat throughout the facility – were recently finished. 

Mote SEA is expected to begin moving in sea life and finalizing the interior of the space after the summer and is projected to open by the end of 2024.