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‘Aquarium of the Future’ Symposium: The Role of Aquariums Today

Animal welfare, aquarium practices, biodiversity conservation, scientific knowledge and ocean culture are all on the agenda for this symposium.

On Monday 18 May 2026, Nausicaá celebrated its 35th anniversary by organising and hosting the first conference dedicated to the major changes currently taking place in the aquarium sector.

During this day of round-table discussions on the missions of the ‘Aquariums of the Future’, speakers exchanged views on three key themes central to the aquariums’ concerns: animal welfare and aquarium practices; the conservation of living organisms and scientific knowledge; and, finally, ocean education and culture.

The day’s discussions were moderated by David Lefort, a journalist with France Télévisions, and were recorded.

The symposium’s white paper

White paper

The first symposium on the role of ‘Aquariums of the Future’ led to the publication of a white paper summarising the discussions that took place during the event.

Download

Recordings of the round-table discussions

The three round-table discussions that took place in succession were recorded on video; you can watch them below.

Round Table 1: Animal welfare and aquarium practices

Changes in aquarium practices at the intersection of science, ethics and societal expectations.

Speakers

  • Dominique Barthélémy, President of the Union of Aquarium Curators (UCA)
  • Rodolphe Delord, President of the AFDPZ (French Association of Zoological Parks) and Chief Executive of ZooParc de Beauval
  • Nicolas Hirel, Curator at Planet Ocean Montpellier
  • Géraldine Lacave, veterinary surgeon and international expert on marine mammals

Round Table 2: Conservation of living organisms and scientific knowledge: from exhibition spaces to research platforms

The role of aquariums in biodiversity conservation and the generation of scientific knowledge.

Speakers

  • Michael Scholl, Director of the University Aquarium and Museum of Liège
  • Nicolas Hirel, Curator at Planet Ocean Montpellier
  • Xavier Harlay, Director of IFREMER’s Channel and North Sea Centre

Round Table 3: Ocean Education and Culture: Educating the Citizens of Tomorrow
 

The role of aquariums in imparting knowledge and raising awareness of ocean-related issues.

Speakers

  • Christine Causse, oceanographer, scientific adviser at Nausicaá
  • David Campagne, inspector for the Lille Education Authority
  • Guillaume Lheureux, international projects officer at Nausicaá