What started over a decade ago in the nearby parking lot and primarily out of the exhibit at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center has grown into a family-friendly annual event at Truman Waterfront Park in Key West.

Mote Marine Laboratory invites ocean enthusiasts to a celebration of the Florida Keys marine environment at its Ocean Fest on April 25 at 11 a.m. A mix of vendors, other nonprofits, food trucks, musicians, and even specimens and wildlife will be on display.  

As the quality of surrounding waters and marine life becomes a bigger focus in the Keys, Ocean Fest highlights the marine lab’s restoration work. A priority that takes on even more importance when one considers that this archipelago is home to much of the only living coral reef in the continental United States.  

The family-friendly fest includes a sizeable kid zone, featuring a water slide, and hands-on learning activities at the Eco-Discovery Center. There will also be speakers who will familiarize the public with the citizen science programs that allow locals and visitors to contribute data and observations to the organization.  

The festival will also be an opportunity to interact with live animals. The Turtle Hospital, out of Marathon, has a large presence each year, as does the Key West Aquarium and organizations like Sea Base and Seacamp.  

Given Mote’s proximity to the reef tract, the area, where clusters of coral reefs extend from Martin County right down to the Dry Tortugas, provides a close view of how coral is critical to supporting fishing, wildlife, and protecting the shore in the event of storms.  

As Mote is a nonprofit and independent marine research organization, offsetting the operational costs comes down to donors. So, fundraising at Ocean Fest is an important objective. And facilitating face time among scientists, volunteers, and donors allows Mote’s team members to better communicate what current budget needs call for like specific technology and equipment. 

The one-day showing also casts a wide net for people interested in becoming a full-time or part-time volunteer. Ocean Fest is a strong networking event for other organizations, too. It is not uncommon for attendees to scope out the entire field of affairs and talk to almost every vendor and booth along the way. By the end of the day, everyone leaves a lot more connected when it comes to the latest goings of the ocean.  

By having so many participants, educational opportunities, and marine specialists attend Ocean Fest, the expectation is that all attendees can reconnect with the waters of the Florida Keys and appreciate the importance of conservation work.  

Ocean Fest
April 25 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Truman Waterfront Park
mote.org/event/ocean-fest-in-the-florida-keys/