Categories of Membership
Membership of the E.U.A.C. is open to:
i. Full Members: Individuals being a curator (*) or the responsible manager and employed on a full time basis of a public aquarium in Europe under condition that: the member has a scientific training in biology, or specialised training in aquatic biology or have at least five years experience in managing a public aquarium. Membership is personal and will be reconsidered in case of change of position. There will be only one full member per institution. In exceptional cases additional full members may be considered. The member must have full support of his institution and will be considered as the representative of his/her aquarium. The institution that the member represents must also meet the following criteria:
- have a reasonable size and be of a permanent character
- have a high standard of husbandry
- have a reasonable standard of correct information to the public
- promote educational activities
- conform to the code of ethics as set down by the E.U.A.C.
(*) A curator is defined as the responsible full time manager of an animal collection within a public aquarium.
ii. Associate Members: Any scientist or any other person involved directly or peripherally in the aquarium world whose contribution might in one way or another be considered by the members to be of help to the development of aquariology and, by his/her special knowledge or research, can be admitted as an associate member under condition that: the member has a specific and valid experience in the public aquarium field and can demonstrate a valid association with one or more member or members' institution over a period in excess of four years. Membership is personal and will be reconsidered in case of change of position.
iii. Honorary Members: Members (full or associate) that are retired can be elected as honorary-members and can always participate in all meetings. Their status as a Honorary member has to be presented by the President at and accepted by the General Assembly.
iv. Supporting Members: Typically this shall be any body or commercial enterprise involved directly or peripherally in the aquarium world which is able to support the activities, commercially or otherwise of E.U.A.C. under condition that: the member has a specific and valid experience in the aquarium field and can demonstrate a valid association with one or more member or members' institution. Membership must be proposed by the Committee and approved by a vote of the members. Supporting members will enjoy the following additional benefits:
- free access to members list, entitlement to present a poster and publicity information during the conferences
- the right to make use of the E.U.A.C. logo in publicity in association with a statement that they are supporting members of E.U.A.C.
- the right to present a paper during the conference upon request or on invitation, on condition that the conference programme permits it and upon payment of an appropriate additional fee as proposed by the executive committee General membership criteria (all categories)
Membership will be reconsidered in case of contravention of any ethical or membership criterion.
The membership of E.U.A.C. is not to be commercially exploited.
In the case of supporting members, to read ‘not to be commercially abused'. Members should always communicate with their fellow members openly and without reservation and provide assistance when necessary. Fellow members are always welcome to visit the aquarium and its technical installations.
Candidature/Application:
A candidate (full or associate member) needs to be parented or supported by three full members and admission as a candidate member is discussed at the first assembly meeting by the members present. Acceptance of new members will generally be as a candidate member for a two year probationary period prior to acceptance as member in any category. Acceptance will be by a vote of the members present at the annual meeting concerned. Any new candidate for full or associate membership must provide a written detailed curriculum and make a formal presentation of his/her experience or new institution during his/her period of candidature. Any member (all categories) not attending annual meetings for three consecutive years, and without notice, will be excluded as a member. In such cases, the member has to apply again for membership through the same procedure used by new candidates. In case of a change in position, the status of the member or associate member will be reconsidered by the assembly. Upon retiring, members become eligible for election as honorary members.
Click here for the Membership Application Form.