[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 50 (Monday, April 15, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E457]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    RECOGNIZING DR. KUMAR MAHADEVAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. VERN BUCHANAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 15, 2013

  Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my constituent, Dr. 
Kumar Mahadevan, for his many contributions to marine science.
  Dr. Mahadevan is retiring in May from his position as chief executive 
and president of Mote Marine Laboratory, which is a private research 
center and aquarium based in Sarasota, Florida.
  Dr. Mahadevan joined Mote Marine in 1978 as a senior scientist and 
became chief executive and president in 1986.
  Under his leadership, Mote has grown from a small research facility 
to an internationally recognized laboratory of marine science and a 
local treasure teaching children and adults about sea life and 
conservation.
  During his tenure, Mote has added an aquarium that attracts more than 
350,000 annually and expanded to include a 200-acre Aquaculture Park in 
eastern Sarasota County, research field stations on Pine Island in 
Charlotte Harbor and Summerland Key in the Florida Keys, satellite 
offices in Punta Gorda and Boca Grande and a second public outreach 
exhibit dedicated to coral reefs in the Eco-Discovery Center in Key 
West.
  The nonprofit's annual operating budget has increased from 
approximately $2 million in 1978 to more than $17 million and its staff 
has grown from 52 members to 192 members, including 31 doctorate-level 
scientists who are leaders in their fields.
  I was proud to serve on the board at Mote prior to my election to 
Congress. I have seen firsthand the positive impact that Dr. Mahadevan 
has had on public policy to revitalize and sustain marine resources 
through science based outreach and education.
  Although he is stepping down from his current position, I am pleased 
that Dr. Mahadevan will stay on as president emeritus, which will allow 
him to continue to promote the lab's research and development.
  In the meantime, I appreciate this opportunity to express my deep 
appreciation for his outstanding contributions to Mote Marine 
Laboratory and the field of marine science.

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