aquarist

Scott Blacker, head aquarist at Sea Life Blackpool, says: "Despite laws protecting sea turtles most countries, threats include being hunted for their eggs, meat and shells - a legal practice in many parts of the world where they are considered a delicacy.

Scott Blacker, head aquarist at Sea Life Blackpool, says: "Despite laws protecting sea turtles in most countries, threats include being hunted for their eggs, meat and shells -- a legal practice in many parts of the world where they are considered a delicacy.

Annually, MASNA awards the prestigious MASNA Award and Aquarist of the Year Award to deserving individuals for their work in helping shape and influence the marine aquarium hobby in a way that positively contributes to the ongoing sustainability of the hobby to the future marine environment.

In his free time, he enjoys fishing, reading, sports, travel and is also a keen aquarist.

"When I was a teen, I never saw an aquarist who looked like me," she says.

"They are coming back, big time," Darryl Deleske, aquarist for the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in Los Angeles, told the newspaper.

Senior aquarist Todd German, who coordinated the release, said: "This is the best outcome we could have hoped for.

Below: a pair of man-o-war fish, a particularly challenging species for the aquarist.

Aquarist Suzie Webb said: "At the moment they're carried around by their family all the time and we don't want to separate them, but once they're a bit older we'll be able to see for ourselves what sex they are."

Families will be able to see an underwater Christmas tree in the UK's only transparent 360deg Ocean Tunnel and find out more from the expert aquarist team about how all of the sea life creatures will receive treats during the festive season.

Aquarist Richard Morrilly said: "Sharks are one of the top predators in the ocean and are known to be fantastic hunters.