Clint has over four decades of global experience in aquarium operations, animal care, and marine conservation and is currently Vice President and Executive Director of the Vancouver Aquarium.
His interest in the aquatic world began early in his life growing up in a small town on the East coast of England. Clint studied and then worked at aquariums in England before joining the Vancouver Aquarium in 1990, advancing through progressive leadership roles for 35+ years that have shaped the organization’s growth and modernization.
Internationally, Clint, through Vancouver Aquarium’s consulting services has been Senior Advisor of Zoological Operations at Oceanogràfic in Valencia, Spain—Europe’s largest aquarium—he co-led a and has consulted on animal programs, aquarium construction and exhibit design in the United States, China, Mexico, and Europe.
His field experience includes extensive collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) on multi-year beluga and narwhal health and migration studies in the Canadian Arctic. He also led recovery and rescue operations for killer whales, including the successful 2002 translocation and reintroduction of the orphaned orca Springer.
In addition to IAN Clint has served the aquarium community in many roles. He is a long-term Chair of Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), is a Past President of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums (AMMPA) and served the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) on the Marine Mammal Taxon Advisory Group. As a strong proponent and advocate for excellence in professional accreditations and animal welfare he has conducted international accreditation inspections for CAZA, AZA, AMMPA, and European partners.
Contact: clint.wright@vanaqua.org
Max Janse was as teenager an active birdwatcher and nature lover, which inspired him to study Biology at the University of Wageningen, Netherlands. The specialties of aquaculture, sewage water treatment and marine biology was the base to start to work in different public aquaria in the Netherlands and Belgium. After working for three years as Biologist of the cold blooded animals in Amsterdam Zoo, he moved to Royal Burgers’ Zoo in Arnhem, Netherlands. 28 years later he is still the curator of the aquarium. One of his biggest challenges is setting up a thriving life coral reef aquarium of 750 m3 and large mangrove display.
Collaboration is for Max a very important part of his job. You cannot manage a large aquarium without the help of many colleague professionals. Being an active part of the public aquarium community facilitates this. He set up different European breeding programs on Zebra Shark and Spotted Eagle Ray, and chaired the Elasmobranch Taxon Advisory Group for over 10 years. Since three years he is the president of the European Union of Aquarium Curators (EUAC) and member of the Executive Committee of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) as well as member of the council of EAZA. Also Max is member of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group.
With collaboration sharing knowledge is also an important aspect. Max lectures at different universities and presents at many international conferences. Also presentation to the wider public is important. Telling about the issues nature is dealing with and what people can do to help is very important. Scientific research in collaboration with different Universities is part of the management of the Burgers’ Zoo aquarium team. A great way to learn more about different aspects of our profession, and to be part of the science work we do in our profession. This resulted in tens of scientific publications as (co)author.
Contact: m.janse@burgerszoo.nl
I was born 66 years ago in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
I dedicated myself for 12 years to raising ornamental fish and I had my own aquarium in Buenos Aires
Then in 1995, I went to work at the Mar del Plata Aquarium, a large oceanarium where I had my first experiences with large aquariums and sharks.
In 2001 I joined Temaikén, a biopark located in Escobar, Buenos Aires province.
At that time the largest aquarium in South America,more than one million litres of seawater, where
I participated first as Senior Aquarist and then as Jefe de Acuario and Aquarium Curator. I was successful in the
reproduction of various species of rays, maintenance of two species of large sharks and in November 2011.
I organized the successful transport by air of a shark Carcharias taurus from Escobar, Argentina to the aquarium of San Pablo Brazil.
Professional member of ALPZA, and from 2008 to 2016 coordinator of the Aquarium committee of this Association
After 12 years in Temaikén, I started as a freelance Aquarium consultant, and participated in various projects and construction of Aquariums.
During the 2016 International Aquarium Congress, held in Vancouver, Canada, I was appointed member of the Steering Committee, and representative of the Aquariums of Latin America.
https://www.iac2021.eu/ian-steering-committe/
I continue working on this committee in regular meetings for the organization of future aquarium congresses and for the preparation of the final declaration after each International Aquarium Congress .
In December 2019, I collaborated in the opening of Oceanic Aquarium in Camboriú, Brazil, supervising the facilities and training the staff prior to the inauguration as expert analyst in aquarium projects.
To mention, the Underwater Adventure Aquarium in Lima, Peru; Vivamar in Chile, Imagination Aquarium in Lima, Urku Estudios Amazónicos ecologic Aquarium,that uses Solar energy and rain water for maintain species in the region, Tarapoto, Perú.
I am chosen by Ocean Wise, to be the Opening director of the Gran Acuario Mazatlán Sea of Cortés in Mazatlán, Mexico, from June 2020 to July 2021 .
Then from November 2022 to September 2023 Operations Director, supervising facilites and training staff prior to the opening.I have specialized in the supervision of automated Life support systems, both in purchase,installation and commissioning for this aquarium of more than 3 million litres of seawater.
This is the biggest Aquarium in Latin America.
I continue working as Aquarium consultant with Mundo Marino, in San Clemente del Tuyú, Buenos Aires, Argentina and collaborations in many other projects in Latin America.
CONTACT
e-mail: mtambella@yahoo.com.ar / mauro.tambella@gmail.com
Phone number: +5491144252350
Stephen Menzies has been involved in the public aquarium industry for over 40 years. He has been a Curatorial and technical specialist at the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium in Townsville, Australia, since 2007. The GBR Aquarium is the National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Commonwealth Government Agency) and specialises in displaying live corals as well as other tropical marine species.
Prior to joining the Reef Authority, Mr Menzies enjoyed an extensive career in the Public Aquarium industry as a technical advisor and operator and is proud of his design, construction and operational contributions to facilities in Singapore, Shanghai, and Valencia along with new and existing facilities within Australia including Sydney, Canberra, Perth, and Townsville.
As Curator and Technical Consultant, he has extensive experience in captive marine animal management and public aquarium operations. This is further supplemented with his ongoing involvement in remote field research on marine turtles and other iconic species in tropical Australia. He has managed the marine turtle rehabilitation centre at the aquarium in Townsville over 10 years and has a particular interest, and expertise, in this work. He is also an occupational diver and commercial vessel operator.
He is currently engaged in an extensive refurbishment of the aquarium in Townsville which is on schedule to re-open in 2029. Mr Menzies completed his studies at the University of Sydney (1986).
Rob Hicks was inspired to become a Marine Biologist after watching Jacques Cousteau on television and an amazing beach combing session as a five-year old in the northwest of the UK. He went on to read BSc Marine Biology and Zoology at University College North Wales (Bangor UK) and then went on to complete an MSc in Fisheries Biology and Culture.
Working in the aquarium industry since 1990, Rob leads the Conservation, Welfare and Education department for Merlin Entertainments and SEA LIFE. With over 50 aquaria around the world, reaching well over 20 million visitors per year, the opportunity to create inspiration to protect the marine environment is huge.
During his career, Rob has been involved with the design, development, and commissioning of over 25 aquariums globally building a significant depth to his cross-cultural experience.
Rob’s passion is around delivering inspiring ‘story telling’ for the public, whilst driving continual improvement and longevity of a sustainable industry. The sustainability agenda is a priority and must be on many fronts, from environmental impact to business sustainability.
Rob continues to work with the SEA LIFE TRUST Beluga Whale Sanctuary, the World’s First Beluga Whale Sanctuary and is involved in sharing the learnings from this project with the industry.
In Rob’s spare time, he enjoys life in Dorset with his wife, and looking after their three dogs, two horses and four goats!
Contact: rob.hicks@merlinentertainments.biz
Michael Farquhar
CEO Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town, South Africa
Michael Farquhar is a Marine Biologist whose passion for South African marine biodiversity, especially the bony fishes, has led to a 30-year career at the Two Oceans Aquarium where he started as an Aquarist in 1997 and the held numerous positions, including; Operations Manager, Assistant Curator, General Curator for 13 years, and the CEO since 2016. He considers himself privileged to lead a remarkable team of passionate and dedicated individuals who collectively strive to inspire action for the future wellbeing of the Ocean.
Before joining the Aquarium, Michael completed his master’s degree at Rhodes University specializing in intertidal ecology. After that, he spent three years working as a Research Scientist in the Marine Biology Research Institute at the University of Cape Town.
Michael has served on the International Aquarium congress Steering Committee since the Two Oceans Aquarium hosted the congress in Cape Town in 2012.
When Michael is not at work, he is either travelling and camping in the African bush, fishing, trail running, or spending time in his workshop making things from wood.
Contact: michael.farquhar@aquarium.co.za
Takuji always had a strong interest and passion toward Ocean from his childhood. Japan’s Pacific cost has a diverse marine life any area he went and that really fascinated him. Always loved the creatures that he found when walking the beach, fishing, and snorkeling.
Naturally chose Marin Biology major on his study at a university and stated scuba diving. After receiving a bachelor’s degree on science, he had an opportunity to work at a university owned marine science museum as one of the biologists. After 10 years of work at the museum, he moved to Vancouver Canada to join the Vancouver aquarium as an aquarium biologist. Spend over 20 years at Vancouver, he explored Canada’s west coast, inland sea as well as the Pacific coast and the Arctic Ocean. Also, he worked on many different projects from developing Vancouver aquarium’s exhibitions to animal rescue and conservation.
He joined the Enoshima aquarium as he returned to Japan, to help further development of the facility as well as developing new displays as an assistant director. Also, he was providing his network of the aquarium industry worldwide, to open door of opportunities for the staff members of Enoshima.
Now he works at the ORIX aquarium corporation, which operates the Sumida aquarium, Tokyo and the Kyoto aquarium, Kyoto as the executive director for both facilities.
Contact: takuji.oyama.td@orix.jp
Travis Burke (BURR-key) is the President and CEO of Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.
Travis has more than 25 years of experience in aquatic attractions in the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe specializing in sales, finance, park development, mergers and acquisitions, interactive programs, international legislation, and operations.
Prior to joining the Aquarium, he began his career at Wet ‘n Wild International before moving on to The Dolphin Company where he held numerous positions. His time with The Dolphin Company sent him globally, but specifically to the Caribbean in locations like Dolphin Discovery Cozumel and Dolphin Discovery Anguilla, where he was operations manager and general manager, respectively. In addition at The Dolphin Company, Travis held the position of vice president of Caribbean sales and eventually went on to become the executive director of North America for the company. During his tenure, Travis led the financing and acquisition of three U.S.-based attractions and led the financing under the mergers and acquisitions programs for parks in Italy, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands.
Travis has been involved in several industry associations including the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Attractions (AMMPA). A native Texan, he has a B.A. in accounting from Texas A&M University and an MBA in marketing from New Charter University.
Mr. Shen Lei is the General Manager of Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (SOA). In 2008, SOA became the first institution in China to host the 7th International Aquarium Congress, marking a significant milestone in the global aquarium community.
Mr. Shen has extensive experience in project management across diverse cultural settings. Guided by SOA’s mission to protect and inspire marine conservation, Mr. Shen and his team are actively exploring innovative approaches to push the boundaries of the aquarium industry-with a focus on raising public awareness about marine conservation and ensuring long-term operational sustainability.
Contact: shenlei@sh-aquarium.com
With a background in biology and a doctorate in oceanology, Nadia OUNAIS followed a scientific career which, after various experiences in aquaculture, led her first to take charge of the Monaco Aquarium, then to become operational director of the Oceanographic Institute. She was in charge of the Aquarium, educational department, public conferences, exhibitions and scientific congresses.
Since March 2017, she has been appointed Vice President of International Affairs at the Oceanographic Institute.
Retired since 2024.
President of the European Union of Aquarium Curators (EUAC) for 9 years, founding member of the International Aquarium Network (IAN), founding member of the World Ocean Network, member of several other international organizations, author of several scientific publications.
Member of the Steering Committee of IAN (International Aquarium Network).
Named Chevalier in the Order of Saint-Charles by H.S.H. Prince Rainier III of Monaco for his career in 2001.
Awarded the Trident d'Or in 2012 by the International Academy of Underwater Science and Technology, the highest distinction in the aquatic world.
Of Tunisian origin, she was awarded the "Radiant International Tunisian Woman" trophy in 2016 by the head of the Tunisian government.
Contact: nadiaounais@outlook.fr
Zhang Xianfeng, Ph.D. and Professor on marine biology, Former Director, Museum of Hydrobiological Sciences. Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences in Wuhan, China.
Since 1983, he started his research career on conservation biology of aquatic wildlife, including the baiji river dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise, other aquatic mammals and fishes. Over 60 peer reviewed papers and books have been published.
Besides, he has special research interests in aquarium science and technology. He has been active on conservation and science education for water environment for decades. He has been serving actively as a Steering Committee member of IAC/IAN since 2000.
Contact: zhangx@ihb.ac.cn
Yang Cuihua, born in March 14, 1978, is a representative of the Chinese Aquarium Association. She earned doctor’s degree in Marine Biology from Ocean University of China. Now Yang is mainly engaged in the ornamental marine life in Qingdao Aquarium. And she has been working in animal breeding and conservation research, science education and management in aquariums, and promoted the participation of Chinese aquariums in IAC/IAN activities. Additionally, she has published dozens of professional papers on ornamental marine organisms.
Contact: ycuihua@hotmail.com
Contact: m-iwata@aquamarine.or.jp
John is a recognized leader in reimagining the role of zoos and aquariums in society. His 50-year career includes opening the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, founding The Florida Aquarium, co-founding Mission Blue with ocean explorer Sylvia Earle, facilitating the creation of 'The Ocean in Google Earth', and leading the National Aquarium’s evolution from an aging Baltimore attraction to a nationally recognized conservation player. During his 15-year tenure, he led the aquarium’s board through a visioning process that included the decision to disrupt the status quo by retiring its dolphin colony to a natural seawater setting.
Today, as founder of CentroMar Puerto Rico, John is pursuing completion of that project. He has assembled an international team of experts, drawing on talent from the Caribbean, United States and Europe to build the world’s first authentic dolphin sanctuary by 2030. Renowned US architect Studio Gang have provided a sustainable and innovative design concept, while a Puerto Rico-based team of engineers, biologists, planners, and oceanographers are now working to ensure CentroMar will fulfill its promise to the dolphins, Puerto Ricans, and the island’s remarkable natural wonders.
Contact：john@centromar.org/www.centromar.org
Professor of Marine Biology at the Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IDSSE, Sanya, China). His primary research focuses on population conservation and environmental adaptation in marine mammals.
His work encompasses three key areas: Captive Population Management: He specializes in the reproduction, health care, and sustainable management of marine mammals under human care, ensuring high standards of welfare in aquarium settings. Genomic Studies of Adaptation: Using genomic data, he investigates environmental adaptation mechanisms in cetaceans and pinnipeds, as well as historical population evolution influenced by paleoenvironmental changes. Hormone-Based Reproductive Strategies: Through hormonal data analysis, he examines reproductive behaviors and physiological adaptations across marine mammal species to support conservation efforts.
With over 15 years of research experience, Prof. Zhang has authored or co-authored more than 60 peer-reviewed papers and books. He has served as a reading committee member of the IAN/IAC since 2022.
Contact: pjzhang@idsse.ac.cn
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