MASNA

We’re diving into the world of aquascaping, a unique blend of art and science that transforms aquariums into beautiful and thriving underwater landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned aquarist or just starting, these expert tips will help you create a healthy aquascape. http://www.hikariusa.com/wp/blog-post/creating-thriving-aquascape-tips-tricks-hikaris-experts/

Go run to Mote.org! 💻🌐
We are thrilled to announce that we have remodeled our website to enhance your browsing experience, which officially debuted today, June 10! Although the site may look a little different, all of the current links will still work by seamlessly redirecting you to the right places on the new site.

The new website will showcase several new features, including:

Animal Encyclopedia: This fun, educational tool will allow you to learn fun facts about the species living in our Aquarium or studied by Mote researchers!

Areas of Research: The Areas of Research pages will introduce you to broad topics, like Coral Reef Ecosystems, with fun facts, photo galleries, topic-related news stories, and links to research programs' individual pages.

Clickable Map of Mote Campuses and Research Locations: The clickable maps allow you to explore the locations and reach of Mote's projects, providing a visual understanding of where and how we conduct our research and conservation efforts.

If you encounter any issues or have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at: [email protected]

Happy browsing! 👩🏽‍💻👨🏼‍💻

Coralpalooza™ 2024 is underway!

Coralpalooza™ Dive Days starts tomorrow, and the excitement is bursting!

We're thrilled to welcome 235 participants, spread across 12 boats, to dive with us in the Florida Keys.

A big thank you to our Armada Sponsors for their generous boat donations: The Dive Shop, Conch Republic, Rainbow Reef, Silent World, Horizon, Pirates Cove, and Key Largo Dive Center.

Participants, make sure to check your emails for all the crucial details.

Together, we can make a massive impact on our oceans. Let’s dive in and create positive change! 🌍💙

Photo: Alex Neufeld for Coral Restoration Foundation™

The Marine Aquarium Societies of North America (MASNA) deeply regrets to announce the cancellation of the 2024 Marine Aquarium Conference of North America (MACNA), originally slated for August 30th to September 1st at the Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Florida. This decision, made by our Board of Directors with heavy hearts and immense disappointment, stems from a list of factors including disruptions to our revenue stream post Covid, pre existing contractual obligations, and a systemic change of how the aquarium community gathers and shares educational information. Despite our earnest efforts, we are unable to proceed with the event as planned.

We understand the excitement and anticipation that attendees, exhibitors, and partners had for MACNA 2024, and are forever grateful to those who have shared their support and encouragement. All ticket holders will receive a full refund of their ticket purchase.
We hope there is some way the education, scholarship, awards and other programs that have made MASNA a key factor in the marine aquarium community for over 30 years, can continue, and not be lost forever.

We express our sincerest gratitude to everyone, especially the companies that have shown support for MASNA/MACNA, and we encourage the community at large to support those companies that stepped up in sponsoring this year’s events. Those sponsors as well as others who have put forth invaluable effort are listed below. Please do what you can to show your appreciation to them by your patronage.

Thank you,
The MASNA Board of Directors
-------------------------------------------------------
Our registered supporting sponsors:

Aperture (Bulkreefsupply.com - Saltwater Aquarium Supplies, HelloReef)
CaribSea Brands
Chemipure
Fluval
Geo's Reef
Hikari Sales USA
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Polo Reef by Andrew Sandler
Quality Marine
Reef Nutrition
SaltwaterAquarium.com
SpectraPure Inc
Two Little Fishies
World Pet Association, SUPERZOO, by WPA

Our registered valued vendors:

Aquarium Munster USA
Blue Seas Aquariums
Bull Reef Aquaculture
Coral Restoration Foundation
Dang Cute Fish
Frost Corals https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=706860617
Hanna Instruments México- Centro America - Caribe
Industrial Test Systems ITS
Jason Fox Signature Corals https://www.facebook.com/jasonfoxsignaturecorals/
Koral King https://www.facebook.com/thekoralking
Milwaukee Instruments
Ocean Inspirations
ORA - Oceans, Reefs & Aquariums
Orlando Surf Rider Surfrider Foundation
Pet Advocacy Network
Pirates.Reef.Corals
Pop Corals
Proaquatix
Quantum USA
San Francisco Bay Brand, Inc.
Save Sea Life with Liddy https://www.facebook.com/sealifewithliddy/
TAMSCO Aquarium Tools tamscoaquarium
The Macro Lady Amanda MacroLady Tamillo
Tropic Marin USA Tropic Marin
TRSC Aquatics
W.Lim Corporation https://wlimproducts.com/

MASNA 2024 Call for Award Nominations

Each year, the MASNA Board of Directors, and past recipients of the MASNA Award and Aquarist of the Year Award, select the new award winners from nominations submitted by the MASNA membership.

➡️ MASNA Aquarist of the Year Award
Nominees for the MASNA Aquarist of the Year Award are individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the intricacies of the hobby, commitment to sharing their expertise, supporting fellow hobbyists, and advocating for the highest standards in all aspects of marine aquarium care and management.

➡️ The MASNA Award
Nominees for the MASNA Award have demonstrated an unwavering dedication and significant impact on the marine aquarium industry and community. Through a lifetime of professional service, this honoree has tirelessly championed excellence in reef keeping, helping to set the standard for best practices in our industry.

▪️ Please consider nominating those individuals who have helped you become a more successful aquarist. They don’t need to be celebrities or social media superstars to be recognized with an award. Nominees should simply be someone who has fostered your growth as a successful marine aquarist.

▪️ Nominations must include the nominee’s name, email address, and a short letter explaining why you feel the nominee should be recognized with a MASNA Aquarist of the Year Award -or- the MASNA Award.

▪️ Nomination Deadline: Sunday, June 16th 11:59 PM EST.
Email nominations to [email protected]

Awards will be presented at the Marine Aquarium Conference of North America (MACNA) August 30th – September 1st 2024 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando Florida. Visit https://macna.org/ for more information.

Join us at 9 PM (EST), next Wednesday, June 12th, for our monthly Public Meeting!

For access, visit MASNA.org/ and scroll down to the link.

Don't forget that our newest temporary exhibit, Mystery Reef, is now open!

Coral reefs, the rainforests of the sea, are in serious danger. Help us find out what’s hurting the corals and how we can help.

We invite you to become a coral detective and uncover clues throughout Mystery Reef while learning about real coral science and restoration at Mote Marine Laboratory. 🪸💪

Check out some of the FINtastic activities included...

🔎 Solve our scavenger hunt and earn your coral detective badge!
🔍 Enter our giant inflatable coral!
🔎 Bop an invasive lionfish!
🔍 Build a reef with big puzzle blocks!
🔎 Celebrate coral parents and babies with our fast paced air maze!
🔍 See how corals can transform from stressed to strong with help from Mote's scientists!

mote.org/mystery for more details!

MASNA 2024 Call for Award Nominations

Each year, the MASNA Board of Directors, and past recipients of the MASNA Award and Aquarist of the Year Award, select the new award winners from nominations submitted by the MASNA membership.

➡️ MASNA Aquarist of the Year Award
Nominees for the MASNA Aquarist of the Year Award are individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the intricacies of the hobby, commitment to sharing their expertise, supporting fellow hobbyists, and advocating for the highest standards in all aspects of marine aquarium care and management.

➡️ The MASNA Award
Nominees for the MASNA Award have demonstrated an unwavering dedication and significant impact on the marine aquarium industry and community. Through a lifetime of professional service, this honoree has tirelessly championed excellence in reef keeping, helping to set the standard for best practices in our industry.

▪️ Please consider nominating those individuals who have helped you become a more successful aquarist. They don’t need to be celebrities or social media superstars to be recognized with an award. Nominees should simply be someone who has fostered your growth as a successful marine aquarist.

▪️ Nominations must include the nominee’s name, email address, and a short letter explaining why you feel the nominee should be recognized with a MASNA Aquarist of the Year Award -or- the MASNA Award.

▪️ Nomination Deadline: Sunday, June 16th 11:59 PM EST.
Email nominations to [email protected]

Awards will be presented at the Marine Aquarium Conference of North America (MACNA) August 30th – September 1st 2024 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando Florida. Visit https://macna.org/ for more information.

MASNA 2024 Call for Award Nominations
Each year, the MASNA Board of Directors, and past recipients of the MASNA Award and Aquarist of the Year Award, select the new award winners from nominations submitted by the MASNA membership.

➡️ MASNA Aquarist of the Year Award
Nominees for the MASNA Aquarist of the Year Award are individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the intricacies of the hobby, commitment to sharing their expertise, supporting fellow hobbyists, and advocating for the highest standards in all aspects of marine aquarium care and management.

➡️ The MASNA Award
Nominees for the MASNA Award have demonstrated an unwavering dedication and significant impact on the marine aquarium industry and community. Through a lifetime of professional service, this honoree has tirelessly championed excellence in reef keeping, helping to set the standard for best practices in our industry.

▪️ Please consider nominating those individuals who have helped you become a more successful aquarist. They don’t need to be celebrities or social media superstars to be recognized with an award. Nominees should simply be someone who has fostered your growth as a successful marine aquarist.

▪️ Nominations must include the nominee’s name, email address, and a short letter explaining why you feel the nominee should be recognized with a MASNA Aquarist of the Year Award -or- the MASNA Award.

▪️ Nomination Deadline: Sunday, June 16th 11:59 PM EST.
Email nominations to [email protected]

Awards will be presented at the Marine Aquarium Conference of North America (MACNA) August 30th – September 1st 2024 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando Florida. Visit https://macna.org/ for more information.

MASNA 2024 Call for Award Nominations

Each year, the MASNA Board of Directors, and past recipients of the MASNA Award and Aquarist of the Year Award, select the new award winners from nominations submitted by the MASNA membership.

➡️ MASNA Aquarist of the Year Award

Nominees for the MASNA Aquarist of the Year Award are individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the intricacies of the hobby, commitment to sharing their expertise, supporting fellow hobbyists, and advocating for the highest standards in all aspects of marine aquarium care and management.

➡️ The MASNA Award

Nominees for the MASNA Award have demonstrated an unwavering dedication and significant impact on the marine aquarium industry and community. Through a lifetime of professional service, this honoree has tirelessly championed excellence in reef keeping, helping to set the standard for best practices in our industry.

▪️ Please consider nominating those individuals who have helped you become a more successful aquarist. They don’t need to be celebrities or social media superstars to be recognized with an award. Nominees should simply be someone who has fostered your growth as a successful marine aquarist.

▪️ Nominations must include the nominee’s name, email address, and a short letter explaining why you feel the nominee should be recognized with a MASNA Aquarist of the Year Award -or- the MASNA Award.

▪️ Nomination Deadline: Sunday, June 16th 11:59 PM EST.
Email nominations to [email protected]

Awards will be presented at the Marine Aquarium Conference of North America (MACNA) August 30th – September 1st 2024 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando Florida. Visit https://macna.org/ for more information.

MACNA 2024 shirts are here!

Celebrate the Colors of the Reef with the pastel hues of these mellow tie-dye T-shirts.

Follow the link for size and order info: https://macna.org/product/copy-of-macna-24-t-shirt/

- Marine Aquarium Conference of North America

Only 3 more public meetings left before MACNA - Marine Aquarium Conference of North America 2024 in Orlando, FL. Join us on the 2nd Wednesday of every month by visiting MASNA.org/ and scrolling down to the link. We look forward to seeing you at the next public meeting, June 12th, at 9PM (EST).

Coral Restoration Foundation Internship opportunity available this fall. The deadline is June 27th.

Fall 2024 internship applications are OPEN!

Join the CRF™ team and help restore coral reefs! 🌊

🔍 4-month, full-time internships.

🌏 Dive into community engagement, fieldwork, and daily operations.

🔬 Mentored projects for first-semester interns.

🏆 Grow as a Lead or Program Intern.

💰 Stipend provided.

📆 September 2nd – December 20th

Apply now on our website: http://coralrestoration.org/internships

Applications close June 27th.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to make a difference for marine ecosystems!

Photo: Jackson Harris for Coral Restoration Foundation™

Become a part of MASNA, the vibrant hub for marine aquarium enthusiasts! Join our community of passionate individuals, businesses, and aquarium society clubs that share your love and commitment to the conservation, education, and advancement of the marine aquarium hobby. Even though MASNA, by name, covers North America, our members are from around the globe.
Which membership is right for you? Unlock a world of exclusive resources, connections and opportunities to enhance your journey in the captivating world of marine aquariums.

Book now through the official MACNA website to receive the exclusive hotel discount. Go to MACNA.org/ for the official hotel link, the only way to receive the exclusive event discount.
You'll find the best deal by booking through the MACNA.org/ website. No other website can provide these exclusive discounts!

MACNA - Marine Aquarium Conference of North America

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tyLQsRS1H4

In this video you'll see Andrew Sandler and Mike Paletta interview Bob Stark (owner of ESV aquarium products) about a new probiotic (fermented) food for corals.

Polo Reef by Andrew Sandler
Mike Paletta was the MASNA Award recipient for MACNA 2022: https://masna.org/about-masna/the-masna-award/

Exclusive! New Fermented Coral Food?! In episode 5 of the Polo Podcast, Andrew and Mike Paletta are joined by special guest Bob Stark. Bob is a well-known chemical engineer with a degree in marin...

Here is a brief "How to Install a Flush Kit. . ." video by SpectraPure Inc from the Bulkreefsupply.com - Saltwater Aquarium Supplies YouTube channel.

What uses has the community come up with for the flushed RO/DI waste water, and what considerations should be taken into account?

SpectraPure - How to Install a Flush Kit along With the Benefits This video shows how simple it is to install a flush kit on an ro/rodi system, along with the benefits, such as enhanced membrane performance and extended DI...

https://youtu.be/F_4tbfiFlfQ?si=mbPwJXaNyAtriic0

Mote Giving Challenge 2024 Support Mote during the 2024 Giving Challenge (April 9 - 10, noon to noon) and your gift will be tripled. mote.org/gc2024

Two Little Fishies has an enormous list of useful and educational links on their website. These links lead to aquariums, guides, databases, governmental organizations, and almost anything reef, aquarium, and conservation related. You can follow this link and scroll down for the list of knowledge portals:

Links – My WordPress This list of links is continually updated to include more of our vendors and sites where you can find useful information about aquariums, coral reefs, and aquatic life.

https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/coral-reef-ecosystems/

Coral Reef Ecosystems Our research aims to identify corals that are more resilient in the presence of stressors like warming oceans, ocean acidification, and spread of novel diseases. Informing coral selection by managers and enhancing tools available to maximize coral resilience allows resource managers to be more effec...

Become a part of MASNA, the vibrant hub for marine aquarium enthusiasts! Join our community of passionate individuals, businesses, and aquarium society clubs that share your love and commitment to the conservation, education, and advancement of the marine aquarium hobby. Even though MASNA, by name, covers North America, our members are from around the globe.
Which membership is right for you? Unlock a world of exclusive resources, connections and opportunities to enhance your journey in the captivating world of marine aquariums.

As you enjoy a slow Saturday, take a moment to reflect on the soothing pace of nature—watching these vital corals grow and expand.

There’s something incredibly calming about observing the gradual progress of these essential reef builders.

Thank you to the World Pet Association for being the Show Sponsor for MACNA 2024.
Please visit their socials and website to learn more.

Website: https://www.worldpetassociation.org/membership/
Facebook: SUPERZOO, by WPA
linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/world-pet-association-12700323/

MACNA - Marine Aquarium Conference of North America 2024 is made possible by these amazing sponsors.

Boyd Enterprises (Chemipure)- Aisle signs
Bulkreefsupply.com - Saltwater Aquarium Supplies - Junior Aquarist Workshop
CaribSea Brands - Education Day
Fluval - Kid's Cove
HelloReef - Junior Aquarist Workshop
Hikari Sales USA - Tote Bags
LaMotte Company - Education
Polo Reef by Andrew Sandler - Banquet
Quality Marine - Education Day
Reef Nutrition - Poster Session
SaltwaterAquarium.com - Badges and Lanyards
SpectraPure Inc - Water Purification
Two Little Fishies - Saltwater

Thank you for making it all possible! Please visit their websites, pages, and booths (on August 30th).

Join us on the 2nd Wednesday of every month for the MASNA Public Meetings. Visit our website and scroll down for the link. All are welcome to participate!

https://masna.org/

Become a part of MASNA, the vibrant hub for marine aquarium enthusiasts! Join our community of passionate individuals, businesses, and aquarium society clubs that share your love and commitment to the conservation, education, and advancement of the marine aquarium hobby. Even though MASNA, by name, covers North America, our members are from around the globe.

Which membership is right for you? Unlock a world of exclusive resources, connections and opportunities to enhance your journey in the captivating world of marine aquariums.

https://masna.org/join/

Get ready for an O-FISH-ALLY awesome summer! Join us every Monday to learn about ocean animals and habitats as we explore field techniques, look for and catch critters in beautiful Sarasota Bay and get inspired to protect the ocean. Each week we will dive into a new theme, so join us all summer long for fun in the sun learning about dolphins, manatees, mangroves, and so much more! We hope to SEA you there! Pre-registration is required.

Bulkreefsupply.com - Saltwater Aquarium Supplies has a Youtube channel, BRStv. Here is a brief video that goes over how to get rid of one of any aquarium's biggest banes- Aiptasia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8b67k3yfzvE