Featured Image Credit: Ocean Wise
John Nightingale, CEO of Ocean Wise, announced that he plans to retire at the end of the year, according to a press release.
Nightingale contributed 25 years of groundbreaking work and success to the Vancouver Aquarium and Ocean Wise.
“I’ve been very fortunate to have a career doing work close to my heart: ocean conservation, raising public awareness, supporting leading science, and making use of that science to effect change during an era when our blue planet needed it most. I have also been so privileged to work with leading scientists, conservationists, incredible staff, board members, volunteers, and patrons, all of whom have shared our vision for a sustainable aquatic world” says Nightingale.
Nightingale began his leadership at the Vancouver Aquarium in 1993 where he since then has led the organization in groundbreaking work. During his time there he was able to increase attendance, refined its mission, and expanded programs that benefited science, conservation, and the public.
Just last year, he launched a project called Ocean Wise on World Oceans Day with hopes to keep the oceans healthy and flourishing.
“Under Ocean Wise, we’ve made great strides. We’ve expanded our research programs, grown our education programs, expanded direct action efforts, and launched Ocean.org, a digital hub where we share captivating stories about the aquatic world and the champions who dedicate their lives to protecting underwater ecosystems”
Nightingale is to host the Douglas Coupland’s radical art installation on May 18 at the Vancouver Aquarium as one of his final public engagement opportunities.
“While Ocean Wise has evolved and grown, our mission remains the same: to spark interest and awareness in our oceans and in the threats they are facing. Vortex provides another impactful touchpoint for our visitors. It’s an incredible project and yet another example of the innovative ways Ocean Wise continues to evolve to engage more people in new ways. And it’s one more thing of which I am very proud” says Nightingale.