What We Do
Advance Ocean and Freshwater Conservation Policy
From promoting sustainable fisheries to reducing plastic pollution and combating climate change, our advocacy work is rooted in science. Taking collective action together, we influence conservation policies that lead to a more resilient and equitable future for people and the planet.
See here for our policy statements and press releases.
Commit to Sustainable Business Practices
Our member institutions “walk the talk” by jointly committing to and adopting sustainable practices in all aspects of our operations, from eliminating single-use plastic to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to sourcing sustainable seafood. We strive to innovate by adaptively modeling sustainability, by encouraging other businesses to join us, and by inspiring our audiences by showcasing the actions we are taking ourselves.
See here for the ACP Joint Sustainable Business Commitments Fact Sheet.
Inspire Audiences to Take Action
Aquariums and zoos showcase the wonders of nature, inspiring visitors to care, and more importantly, to take action to conserve our ocean planet. Through our exhibitions, art installations, and animal ambassadors, our institutions are uniquely positioned to engage the public in conservation. As trusted public institutions, we invite inquiry, inspire compassion, and instill a desire to protect our natural resources.
See here for our current campaigns and opportunities to take action!
Confront Issues of Justice and Equity
We are committed to confronting issues of racial, gender, and social equity within the aquarium and zoo industry and the broader environmental movement. We need to define what equity means to us as a collective, and what it looks like for our work, our members, our audiences, and our communities.
ACP members are highly engaged and deeply invested in our communities and attract large, diverse audiences — of all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic statuses, from urban and rural environments. Given our large reach, high degree of public trust, convening power, interpretive and communication expertise, and relationships with the public, ACP members are well positioned to engage communities through the collaborations we help build, conversations we inspire, and resources we share.