Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota is sponsoring the Protect Our Reefs Photo Contest which is accepting submissions through Jan. 1, 2010.

FROM MOTE’S WEBSITE: The winning image of the Protect Our Reefs Photo Contest will be used in the new 2010 campaign to promote Mote Marine Laboratory’s Protect Our Reefs specialty license plate, which helps save coral reefs. Funds from the plate support grants for coral reef research, conservation and education.

The grand prize winner will also win a Key West getaway for two, which includes a two-night stay at the Island City House Hotel in Old Key West, a half-day dive trip for two from Captain’s Corner Dive Center to the USS Vandenberg, which was recently sunk off Key West as an artificial reef, and a Fury Water Adventures “Commotion On The Ocean” Sunset Sail for two.

Visit the Mote Marine Laboratory website for more information.

See a sample of the photo submissions below.

Photo by Douglas Kahle | Breaker’s Reef, Palm Beach, FL