Aquarium Working Group
Co-Chairs
- Dr. Lisa Hoopes | based in the USA (North America Region member)
- Mrs. Paula Carlson | based in the USA (North America Region member)
Introduction
Public aquariums are increasingly playing an important role in the conservation of species and many are becoming recognized as major contributors to this field. Specifically, public aquariums can play a major part in public education, the provision of holding facilities for species, and the captive breeding of some threatened species. Many have developed research programs and projects to reintroduce species into the wild while focusing on conservation education and public engagement.
The tasks of this Working Group will be to:
- Develop a position statement for the SSG on the role of zoos/aquariums in elasmobranch conservation;
- Compile aquarium life history information for Critically Endangered elasmobranchs to inform conservation action, with a focus on sawfishes, rhino rays (wedgefishes and guitarfishes), and South American freshwater stingrays;
- Develop SSG position statement on ex situ elasmobranch release, rescue, and re-introduction; and
- Develop SSG messaging and graphics on elasmobranch conservation for zoo/aquarium exhibits, outreach, and education programs.
