Eugenie Clark 2022

A pioneer of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is being honored with a new "Forever" postage stamp that's being  unveiled Wednesday in Sarasota.

Eugenie Clark, also known as "Shark Lady,"  was a founding scientist of Cape Haze Marine Laboratory in Placida -- in Charlotte County -- in 1955. In 1967, the lab was renamed after primary benefactor, William R. Mote, and his family.

Clark spoke about her love for sharks in a 1982 National Geographic documentary.

"People come to me and say what'll I do if I go in the water and see a shark?  You don't have to do anything. The chances of that shark attacking you in any way is so remote. The sea should be  enjoyed, the animals in it,"  she said. "When you see a shark underwater,  you should say how lucky I am to see this beautiful animal in his environment."