New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium will develop the Ocean Conservation Fellows program to connect field conservation work from around the world with their local programs and audience. Fellows will be chosen from among the scientists and grassroots organizations the Aquarium supports through a small grant program established to respond to time-sensitive, high priority conservation needs. Previous visits by some of these scientists has fascinated, educated, and inspired audiences, and the Aquarium will now fully capitalize on the value of their presence. Nine fellows will each spend seven days at the Aquarium, engaging in educational programs that reach thousands of visitors, staff, and youth. Interaction with the fellows will arm Aquarium staff with stories that help them connect animals and habitats on exhibit with current issues in the ocean. The exchange will support the professional growth of the visiting fellows and the Aquarium staff, build awareness about the institution's conservation programming, and help to empower and inspire the next generation of ocean stewards.