Collection Sustainability Abstracts
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Aquatic Collection Sustainability Hap Fatzinger, North Carolina Aquariums Full Abstract
Aquatic collection sustainability has been a priority across our facilities and AZA for decades. Great work has been accomplished and AZA animal programs continue to grow and build upon the foundation of work developed by leaders in our field. Over the past year, a surge of efforts has captured the attention and support of AZA and institutional leadership. This presentation will discuss the development of the AZA Board‐approved Aquatic Collections Sustainability Special Committee, outline the five priorities identified for action and share future opportunities for supporting the work. |
Considerations for a Sustainable Animal Collection
Sandy Trautwein, Aquarium of the Pacific Full Abstract
Increasing public pressure and new regulations affecting the marine ornamental trade have made it more difficult for public aquariums to procure wild specimens. The development of sustainable animal collections that include ethical species acquisition choices, the establishment of propagation programs, and the creation of robust collection plans can provide a solid platform for mitigating public concerns. In addition, a focus on maintaining excellent care and welfare standards can extend the life of aquarium animals and reduce the demand for wild‐caught specimens. This presentation will focus on the importance of developing a robust institutional collection plan and tips for extending the life of our animal collections. |
Welfare and sustainability of live animal collections for public aquariums
Chris Andrews, SEA LIFE Full Abstract
Unlike zoos, and aquariums specializing in freshwater organisms, a large proportion of the marine fish, elasmobranchs and invertebrates in public aquariums are obtained from the wild, exposing them to potential criticism regarding how the animals are collected, and their care and welfare during the acquisition, transport and acclimation process. This presentation with discuss one approach to better understand the supply chains used to provide these wild‐caught animals for public aquariums, and how the results may be used to improve animal welfare and – ultimately – sustainability practices. |
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Transports then and now: a new paradigm in marine animal collections Joao Correia, Flying Sharks Full Abstract
The opening of the Oceanário de Lisboa, where Flying Sharks’ founding staff originated from, involved the collection and transport of animals from literally every corner of the planet to Lisbon, which was a monumental exercise in the development of long‐term transport techniques. These techniques were then refined over two decades, allowing for the collection and transport of species once considered ‘impossible’, such as Scomber sp., Sarda sarda, Mola mola, Naucrates ductor, and an assortment of jellyfish, among multiple others. Such advancements include the replacement of 12 V systems for 220 V, while ammonia and pH are no longer a concern, thanks to recent developments in quenching and buffering agents. Additionally, a new paradigm in marine animal transport is presented, whereas buffering agents are used preventively and not correctively, while L.S.S. is designed for long‐term maintenance and not just transport conditions. This turned our ‘transport unit’ into a ‘mobile holding station’. |
For the love of fish, we're in it together ‐ the importance of the aquarium hobby to public aquaria Laura Simmons, Cairns Marine Full Abstract
The aquarium industry is under attack. Both public and private aquaria are being demonized by activist groups around the world. This criticism is causing a divide in an industry that should be united. As public aquarium aquarists we need to understand the link between our businesses and the hobby; how private and public aquaria are inextricably linked. Most innovation in aquarium keeping has come from the private sector or by companies supplying it. Public aquaria are making important contributions like education and conservation but the reality is that the world of aquarium keeping is driven by hobbyists, whether it be lighting technology, advances in life support systems, water chemistry/quality analysis or provision of livestock, suppliers could never survive on public institutions alone. The entire industry is under scrutiny, we need to be allies. Supporting and working together is the only way to survive and continue the work we love. |
Are Your Fish Legal? An Analysis of the Regulatory and Permitting for Wild Sourced Display Animals out of Florida and the Eastern US
Ben Daughtry, Dynasty Marine Full Abstract
As an active participant in the marine life fishery to public aquariums for more than 3 decades the complexity of fisheries management, reporting, permitting and compliance has increased substantially. Many species are newly being evaluated for additional protections at state, national, and international levels using SAL, HMS, ESA, and CITES. Taking an active part in the fishery management process and being a proactive participant in helping to craft intelligent conservation regulations to insure long term sustainability is essential. Industries hand in developing best practices for legally and properly collecting and shipping these specimens is discussed. The objective within is to help public aquariums to understand what is necessary to ensure that your collection is legal and that aquariums can continue to source wild caught animals in a legal, sustainable, and ethical way into the future. |
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Accomplishments and Challenges for Rising Tide Conservation
Judy St. Leger, Rising Tide Conservation Full Abstract
Rising Tide Conservation is a stakeholder‐based initiative designed to promote aquaculture of marine ornamental species. Since the inception, the program has involved stakeholders from both the hobby industry and display aquaria. Major accomplishments of this program include the successful rearing and promoting commercial propagation of yellow tangs. Success in propagation of Pacific blue tangs was also achieved but no commercial propagation has succeeded as yet (now over 2 years from the first successes with this species). Training of students has resulted in identifiable capacity building. Two former program biologists, Matt Wittenrich and Kevin Barden are both now involved in commercial propagation companies. The greatest current challenge is a need for more display aquaria as stakeholders. Now that Rising Tide has something to share, facilities can become stakeholders by holding and conditioning broodstock, collecting eggs, developing aquacultured display tanks, and including aquaculture programs in conservation efforts and messaging. |
Consolidated Supplier Reference Robyn Doege & Rachel Stein, Fort Worth Zoo & Maritime Aquarium Full Abstract
AZA member institutions are required to evaluate any facilities that they acquire animals from for animal care, sustainability, as well as legal and ethical considerations. Because many aquatic AZA facilities utilize the same non‐AZA facilities to acquire animals, it would be helpful if the results of the evaluation process could be shared among AZA institutions. Over the past few years the aquatic TAGs have been working on such a unified vendor reference process for aquatic animal transactions, which has included the formation of the Consolidated Supplier Reference Taskforce (CSR). Representatives of the CSR Taskforce will highlight the progress made so far, and discuss the need for site inspectors and volunteers to help move this effort forward. |
Can I get a garibaldi
without going to jail? Darryl Deleske, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Full Abstract
Many institutions either want or have California animals on display. Unfortunately there is much confusion on what, where, when, and what size of marine life we are permitted to take or possess, as well as who can collect them. I will guide you through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s new permit process which includes chain of custody, marine aquaria, entity or standard permits, as well as what fish and invertebrates can be collected, gifted, or purchased with or without a scientific or commercial permit. |
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Marine Conservation & Seafood Security: How OGL’s DNA Bank Advances Research
Rosie Falco, Ocean Genome Legacy at Northeastern University Full Abstract
DNA contains a wealth of information about an organism’s adaptations, interactions, and life history. At Ocean Genome Legacy (OGL), a non‐profit marine genome bank that preserves marine DNA samples, we collaborate with academic researchers, museums, governmental agencies and aquariums to collect marine samples from around the world. OGL’s collection now contains more than 27,000 genomic (DNA) samples of marine animals, plants, fungi and bacteria. We make these samples available to researchers and scientists in diverse disciplines. Our samples have been used for the development of seafood reference materials that are critical for seafood species identification and the maintenance of sustainable fisheries, detection of genetically modified salmon, increased understanding of unusual animals like narwhals, and the conservation of protected species, such as black corals. |
The Future of Sanitation - Disinfection and Odor Control Jim Prappas, Landry's Inc. Full Abstract
Chlorine dioxide technology has really taken off over the past couple of years in the farming/ hydroponic agriculture and medical research industries. Chlorine dioxide has been around since 1941, and has been for years used by for black mold remediation, and for large scale water sanitation. The EPA lists Chlorine dioxide as the #1 chemical for disinfection, due to its effectiveness at low concentrations and the absence of harmless byproducts – a stark contrast to bleach and other chemical disinfectants. These issues are exactly why in 1983 the EPA recommended Chlorine dioxide as the ideal disinfectant of potable water. Until recently, Chlorine dioxide was expensive and difficult to produce, and only cost effective in large commercial applications. Now that it is commercially available in small and stable quantities, Chlorine dioxide has shown to be a great alternative to Chlorine/Bleach and other chemicals. It is safer to handle, less corrosive and environmentally safer than bleach. There are a many more reasons why Chlorine Dioxide is the new choice for water sanitation and disinfection. |