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.
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Paula Carlson
‘It is truly an honor to be continuing my service on the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group, especially in the capacity of Co-Chair of the Aquarium Working Group. As someone who was once a young girl who dreamed of working with sharks, to someone who has made a career out it, I have come to see my work as more of a calling and I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to help create awareness for marine conservation by fostering collaborations between professional aquarists and other related industries. I am excited to be a part of this ​group and am looking forward to what the future holds for the conservation of elasmobranchs’.
Paula Carlson
‘I am delighted to become member of the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group as the Co-Chair of the Aquarium Working Group. I believe that zoos and aquariums have an important role to play in elasmobranch conservation and am looking forward to bringing the collective experiences of the aquarium sector to the conversation as the IUCN SSG moves from assessments into planning and action’.
​Dr. Lisa Hoopes
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Dr. Lisa Hoopes
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