History of IAC

IAC has evolved to become one of the most important and prestigious events for the public aquarium industry. It has been held in many countries throughout the world, covering Europe, the Americas and Asia regions.

Over the years, the IAC has also been graced by many influential figures: In the 4th IAC – Tokyo, Japan, 1996 – Prince Akishino was Guest-of-Honor for the opening ceremony, and the Vice-Governor of Tokyo represented the government in attendance; in the 5th IAC – Monaco, 2000 – the Prince of Monaco came as a Guest-of-Honor for the opening Ceremony.

Year 1960 - Monaco Oceanographic Museum & Aquarium, Monaco

The International Congress of Aquariology was held for the first time in Monaco, hosted by the Monaco Oceanographic Museum & Aquarium. This marked the first official gathering of professional aquarium curators and experts.

Year 1988 - Monaco Oceanographic Museum & Aquarium, Monaco

28 years after the 1st International Congress of Aquariology, the Monaco Oceanographic Museum & Aquarium hosted the event a second time. It was at this point that fellow colleagues came to a consensus that such an important congress should be held on a regular basis, with aquariums from different continents, countries and culture having an opportunity to host the event.

Year 1993 – New England Aquarium, USA
Theme – Aquarium 2000, a New Generation

With a much shorter gap of 5 years and a renewed life, the third congress took place in Boston, USA, and was renamed “International Aquarium Congress”, or IAC – the name now familiar to us. The New England Aquarium, host for this event, also introduced the concept of a theme for IAC, with the first being “Aquarium 2000, a New Generation”, most appropriate in its significance.

Year 1996 – Tokyo Sea Life Park, Japan
Theme – Aquarium: The Global Challenge – Sharing the Water Planet

The Tokyo Sea Life Park hosted the 4th IAC with the support of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, who sponsored this event along with the Organizing Committee. Adding prestige to this event was the presence of Prince Akinshino, Guest-of-Honor for the Opening Ceremony, and the Vice-Governor of Tokyo, representing the government in attendance. Many, many more renowned researchers, aquarium directors, specialists and experts of Oceanography participated in this Congress.

Other supporters of the 5th IAC included the Japanese Ministry of Education, Science and Culture Fisheries Agency; Ministry of International Trade and Industry; Ministry of Transport; Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications; Ministry of Construction; Ministry of Home Affairs; Environment Agency; and the Japanese Association of Zoological Gardens and Aquariums. 

Year 2000 - Monaco Oceanographic Museum & Aquarium, Monaco
Theme – Aquarium: A New Link Between Man and Nature Through the Quest for Authenticity

The 5th IAC returned to Monaco where it first began, hosted once again by the Monaco Oceanographic Museum & Aquarium, this time graced by the Prince of Monaco, Guest-of Honor for the Opening Ceremony. This was supported by the Government of the Principality of Monaco – who sponsored 34% of the meeting expenses – and French Ministry of Culture and Communication

Attendees numbered more than 500, with 35 different nationalities. Issues including education, oceanographic research, animal husbandry etc. were explored in greater depth.

Year 2004 – Monterey Bay Aquarium, USA
Theme – Making Connections, Inspiring Conservation

More than 600 attendees were present at the 6th IAC, hosted by the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  Aside from being able to exchange views, reports and ideas via oral presentations, posters and videos on conservation and protection of environment resources, participants also had the opportunity to listen to the views of Ted Danson, renowned actor and avid ocean conservationist.

Year 2008 – Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, China
Theme – Progress and Conservation: The Role of Aquariums in Protecting the Aquatic Environment