![]() Englander told delegates how climate change is making the sea warmer and changing its acidity. It is also adding vast amounts of fresh meltwater to the oceans, thus raising sea level and altering ocean currents. Two sessions, from John Englander and Dr Gregry Flato looked at the impact of man-made climate change on the environment. The keynotes were in turns fascinating, bleak, enthralling and inspiring. Aquariums should be a “force for change” and help “grow the choir”. With this message in mind he said that, though the aquatic environment faces many challenges, “The thread running through the conference is positive”. Education about the many threats facing our marine environment is of course vitally important, but should include a good emphasis on the solutions as opposed to just highlighting the problems. He then emphasized the importance of the global aquarium community and the role it plays in educating a public that is, at times, ”tired of bad news”. He first of all welcomed delegates to the city of Vancouver on behalf of the aquarium, which proved throughout the week to be a warm and generous host. John Nightingale, CEO of Vancouver Aquarium. The four day conference was introduced by Dr. A gatecrasher at the IAC Opening Reception It was well attended and gave delegates a good introduction to both the local marine life and the aquarium’s conservation work. Despite being a ticketed event, at least one local tried to crash the party ( below). The night before the congress, Vancouver Aquarium held the opening reception. ![]() However, there were also a number of keynotes designed to look at the broader issues affecting the marine environment. They highlighted the vital conservation work aquariums do. ![]() The International Aquarium Congress was packed with speakers from the world’s leading aquariums. The Vancouver Aquarium Aquariums, a Force for Change Sponsors for the conference included zoo and aquarium design firm The ZoOceanarium Group and theming construction firm Cost of Wisconsin. Held every four years, it brought together more than 500 delegates from over 120 countries. The conference is the major event for professionals working in the public aquarium sector. ![]() It was also the aquarium’s 60th anniversary. The world renowned Vancouver Aquarium hosted the 2016 International Aquarium Congress (IAC). ![]()
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