Thank You

The 7th International Aquarium Congress has finally reached an end. The warm and vibrant city of Shanghai has nevertheless leave a deep impression with all our guests.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my greatest gratitude to all the members of the steering, organizing and program committee, to all our guests, journalists, members of SOA, and volunteers, who have contributed to the success of this congress.

The success of this year’s congress is a joint effort of everyone involved. Many new records were achieved in this congress, as depicted below:

• Representatives from 45 countries and regions have come to attend the congress, an increase of 12.5 percent as compared to the last congress. This marks a new record of the largest number of countries and regions in IAC history.
• Nearly 300 aquariums and scientific institutions, and more than 700 representatives have attended IAC 2008, setting a new record of largest number of institutions and attendance.
• Papers, posters and DVDs that were selected in this congress came from 27 countries, an increase of 13% more countries. 190 papers were received during the Call for Paper process and 88 papers were presented during the congress, marking the highest number of papers submitted and presented in the history of IAC.
• We also have the youngest journalist at this congress – 7 years old. This may set the record of the youngest journalist ever attending IAC. We also have the largest media attendance and widest news coverage in this IAC.

Based on the statistics above, we can see that the congress is trying hard to establish the widest international stage for the protection and communication of the aquatic environment and aquatic animals, and to improve public awareness on issue of environmental protection.

This year’s congress also has the milestone significance towards the development of Chinese public aquarium industry. Chinese aquarium community has showcased huge progress and made outstanding achievements in the protection of the aquatic animals and its aquatic environment in recent years. The congress has promoted international collaboration between industries, the protection of global aquatic animals and the improvement of the quality of aquatic environment.

The congress has inherited and passed the spirit and concept of previous congresses and shared the scientific achievements. IAC has become a historically significant congress in promoting the global environmental course.

The gathering time is transient while the journey of environmental protection is very long. We will pass the flag to the 8th IAC organizer South Africa aquarium. Let’s take our shared responsibility and obligation for bluer sea, cleaner water, and better life! Thank you!

Wang Liang
General Manager, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
Chairperson, Steering Committee
7th International Aquarium Congress