AQUATIC SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT IN ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS: THE NEED FOR MORE ACCESSIBLE TRAINING

Transcription

1 AQUATIC SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT IN ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS: THE NEED FOR MORE ACCESSIBLE TRAINING

2 AQUATIC SYSTEMS INCLUDE AQUATIC SYSTEMS INCLUDE AQUARIUMS

3 AQUATIC EXHIBITS - SYSTEMS WITH AQUATIC ANIMALS THAT ARE NOT FISH

4 WATER FEATURES - PONDS, LAKES AND STREAMS (NATURAL AND MAN MADE )

5 RIDES AND SPLASH ZONES

6 VARIOUS COMBINATIONS OF THE AFOREMENTIONED SYSTEMS

7 Science Centers Universities Life Style Stores Bass Pro Cabelas Franchise Retail Establishments PetSmart Petco

8 Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Assistant Brevard Zoo Melbourne, FL Jun 15, 2016 Lead Aquarist Cook Museum of Natural Science Decatur, AL Jun 15, 2016 Assistant Veterinary Tech Chimp Haven Keithville, LA Jun 15, 2016 Instructor/Visiting Assistant Professor Project Dragonfly, Department of Biology, Miami University Oxford, OH Jun 15, 2016 Labratory Technician Odysea Scottsdale, AZ Jun 15, 2016 Assistant Director of the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) and Instructor Project Dragonfly, Department of Biology, Miami University Oxford, OH Jun 15, 2016 Life Support Systems Technician Odysea Scottsdale, AZ Jun 15, 2016 Animal Health Technician Odydea Scottsdale, AZ Jun 15, 2016 Curator of Aquarium Content and Marine Science Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science Miami, FL Jun 15, 2016 Animal Care Professional - Reptiles Birmingham Zoo, Inc. Birmingham, Alabama Jun 15, 2016

9 Biologist Field Laboratory Engineer

10 HUSBANDRY PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE possible deficit in mechanical knowledge MECHANICAL PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE possible deficit in husbandry knowledge.

11 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Graduation from a recognized four-year college or university with a major in biological science and 18 months of full-time paid experience or the equivalent as an aquarist in collection and care of live seawater specimens and the maintenance of a large seawater system. Certification as a basic scuba diver EMPHASIS ON: AQUARIST SKILLS

12 The minimum qualifications: Applicants must have professional training and at least 3 years experience in the area of chemical balance and water quality analysis, or the environmental sciences that will allow the incumbent to operate, maintain, evaluate and recommend alternatives for life support systems, both natural and filtered. Applicants must have experience in maintaining pumps, filters, and other equipment comparable to those used in the life support system area. Knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems and water quality chemical balance aspects of maintaining biological systems is required. Applicants must also have current SCUBA certification, a valid driver s license, and must be able to lift and move objects of at least 50 pounds and up to 100 pounds on occasion. EMPHASIS ON: WATER QUALITY LAB AND MECHANICAL SKILLS.

13 WHY DO WE NEED ALL THIS TRAINING?

14 One of the weaknesses of our society is that history is still news to most people. Grant Fairly

15 LSS PROBLEMS ARE PRIMARILY DUE TO INAPPROPRIATE SYSTEM DESIGN. THE CLIENT IS OFTEN UNABLE TO ADEQUATELY ARTICULATE THEIR NEEDS TO LSS DESIGNERS.

16 LESSONS FROM OTHER DISCIPLINES Aquaculture Water Treatment Swimming Pool Industry

17 MORE FINANCIAL RESOURCES GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS DICTATE TRAINING LEVELS AND THE DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT OF TRAINING PROGRAMS LARGER AND BETTER DEVELOPED TRAINING PROGRAMS

18 This is typically defined as: The most efficient and effective way of accomplishing a task, based on scientific, repeatable procedures proven over time in a large number of cases Much useful aquatic system information compiled over the years is not readily accessible. Frequent re-invention of the wheel, debunking of myths and misconceptions

19 On-line Manuals Aquarium science programs at aquariums and colleges such as Oregon Coast Community College Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators (AALSO) RAW, AZA, Aquatic Info List Serve GROW YOUR OWN Public aquariums are increasingly smaller, 30-50,000 square feet Limited ability to grow your own.

20 This course will help experienced aquarists build their leadership, design, and husbandry skills to advance their career, institution, and the profession. Lectures, group discussions, behind the scenes tours, facilitated problemsolving, and hands-on activities create an interactive class experience and rich opportunities for networking with colleagues. Participants will explore the many facets of modern aquariums including best practices and leadership in animal care, exhibit design, facility operations, dive safety, conservation, and guest experience. Course Objectives After completing this course participants will be better able to: Contextualize aquariums by their relevance beyond public display to learning, guest experience, science and conservation. Leverage existing experience to expand positive impact and influence in all areas of communication, customer service, animal care, conservation, facility operations and learning. Develop a strategy to improve collaboration among facilities to achieve greater collection sustainability. Examine regulatory processes and their impact on maintaining a living collection. Explore the technology, biology and physical elements of aquarium operations Identify aquatic conservation priorities and gain an awareness of how their expertise can be used to address them. Engage in life-long learning with professional peers committed to excellence in aquariums.

21 How to Apply If you are interested in starting an exciting new career in the aquatic animal husbandry profession, the Aquarium Science Program is for you! Graduates in aquarium science have had a 94% rate of finding jobs in the industry upon completion of the program. Classes begin each fall. Two Year Degree: One Year Certificate: Oregon Coast Community College 400 SE College Way Newport, OR Ph Oregon Coast Community College 400 SE College Way The application period for is now closed. We will be accepting applications for the school year starting Oct. 31, Online Application Request Info Feel free to us with questions regarding our Aquarium Science program. Online Info Form Student Club - Go! Connect with us!

22 RAW is May 8-12, 2017 More information coming soon! BEST OF RAW 2016 Congratulations to the AOA team for a job well done! This year's RAW was a blast, and also full of great information. Nearly every judge expressed how difficult it was to choose the top talks because of the fierce competition and high quality of presentations. On behalf of the RAW Program Committee, I applaud all of the presenters and their supporting institutions and am pleased to announce the Best of RAW 2016!

23 AALSO members are the water quality and mechanical system professionals that move the water, design and maintain the systems, develop and distribute the products to manage the daily requirements for animals in our care at hundreds of facilities across the world. We are a 501 c6 nonprofit organization focusing on the education and training of aquatic life support operators around the world. We as an organization do not act as a consultant to our members directly regarding projects or problems, however we create a pathway for our members to learn about the latest technology in the industry and act as a forum for members to connect and discuss the care of aquatic animals in captivity.

24 The Elasmobranch Husbandry Manual is a single-reference guide detailing the hands-on care of elasmobranchs; a "how to care for" sharks, rays and chimaeras. This volume is intended to assist in the development of new exhibits, aid in the training of husbandry personnel, prepare scientists for hands-on work with elasmobranchs, and answer specific questions about this important taxonomic group. The Elasmobranch Husbandry Manual is available to download free of charge. A hard-cover volume of the Manual is available for purchase.

25 Aquaticinfo -- An international forum of professional aquarists Send Aquaticinfo mailing list submissions to To subscribe or unsubscribe: or, via , send a message with subject or body 'help' to aquaticinfo-request@mail.seaplace.org MODERATOR: aquaticinfoowner@mail.seaplace.org

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27 The fourth Aquatic Systems Management Workshop will be held at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 29 31, Experienced leaders in the field will bring their unique perspectives and focus on effective problem solving, brain storming and resource management. Our goal is to enhance the participant s understanding of aquatic systems so they can better determine and apply possible solutions to their specific systems. The two day workshop consists of presentations, brainstorming sessions, and discussion groups focusing on solutions to specific aquatic system management issues previously submitted by the participants. There will also be a tour of the aquatic systems of local public aquariums. Download the workshop overview Register for the workshop online Download the workshop registration form Download the workshop flyer Workshop Registration Fee Before 5/1/16 $ /1/16 and later $50.00 additional For additional information contact Juan Sabalones (859) lss2410@gmail.com

28 EACH AQUATIC SYSTEM IS A CUSTOM DESIGN Standardization of designs? TRAINED OPERATOR INVOLVEMENT IN ALL PHASES, ESPECIALLY THE DESIGN PHASE, IS VITAL Noumea, New Caledonia

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30 EXPERTISE IS LARGELY ON THE SIDE OF THE CONTRACTORS. AT LEAST ONE PERSON,WITH THE REQUISITE EXPERTISE, EITHER STAFF OR A CONSULTANT PAID DIRECTLY BY THE ZOO OR AQUARIUM, SHOULD SERVE AS AN ADVOCATE FOR THE INSTITUTION.

31 In April 2011 the AZA Green Scientific Advisory Group published the Zoo and Aquarium Green Guide: Suggestions for Beginning or Expanding a Sustainability Program.

32 Their statement of Purpose, in part, said: AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums know that conservation of wildlife requires conservation of natural resources. This Guide can help zoos and aquariums to walk the talk as it offers a collection of categorical suggestions, provided by the AZA Green Scientific Advisory Group, which should be considered when initiating or expanding a sustainability program. This Guide is a dynamic document and should be considered a work in progress. Details on how these suggestions can reduce your institution s annual utility expenditures and in turn, greenhouse gas emissions, are not included in this first edition. However, the sustainability categories and suggestions presented are based on the AZA Green Award guidelines.

33 Water Management Recommendations: The Green Team should assess the organization s collective water usage amount over the previous year by conducting a Water Inventory. The Water Inventory should be conducted or updated on an annual basis and should: Identify all sources (buildings, food preparation, restaurants, landscaping, fountains, pools/exhibits, animal diets, public misters/fountains, etc.) where water was used onsite over the past 12 months. Stipulate purchasing and discharge practices including vendor information. Calculate the amount of water used and/or discharged for each source (e.g., in gallons) and their associated costs over the previous year.

34 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I d like to thank Planeta Neptune and Andrey Oppolitov for inviting me to speak.