The IAAAM was founded in 1969 “to advance the art and science of aquatic animal medicine and health and promote the free exchange of knowledge in the interest of improving the health care and husbandry of aquatic animals.” The IAAAM membership includes international professionals engaged in clinical care, research, academics, and husbandry of aquatic animals.
“Dolphin Encounters’ amazing totally natural ocean-based facility, coupled with the incredible beauty and aquatic backdrop of The Bahamas, provides the perfect setting for our conference,” said Dr. Sam Dover, site selection chairman for the IAAAM Annual Conference. “This is an incredible opportunity for our membership to both attend the conference and learn firsthand about the aquatic life of The Bahamas.”
Dr. William Van Bonn, president-elect of the IAAAM agrees. “Attendees of our conference will be coming from around the world to exchange and learn more about aquatic animals and their care. This is the first time our conference is being held in The Bahamas and everyone is looking forward to seeing the spectacular waters of The Bahamas and the abundance of marine life.”

As the host facility, Dolphin Encounters Ltd. coordinated the conference and planned aquatic activities and local excursions that provided attendees and their families the opportunity to experience the best of The Bahamas. Local businesses and tour operators are also sponsoring the conference.
“Dolphin Encounters is honoured to be hosting this important conference,” said Kim Terrell, Director of Marine Mammals for Dolphin Encounters Ltd. and member of the IAAAM. “Our goal is to offer attendees a truly Bahamian experience and to provide them with an opportunity to personally discover the rich natural marine environment of The Bahamas – which includes meeting our Bahamian dolphin family.”

“Hosting the IAAAM conference is a natural extension of Dolphin Encounters’ research and educational goals,” adds Robert Meister, Managing Director of Dolphin Encounters Ltd. “We firmly believe in providing all of our visitors with a greater awareness of the needs of marine mammals and the importance of protecting them and their environment. It is our pleasure to host professionals from around the world that are devoted to the care and preservation of all aquatic animals. We are also very proud, as a Bahamian company, to show attendees our beautiful Bahamas.”
Dolphin Encounters, home to 16 Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins (all Bahamian born) is one of Nassau’s foremost attractions. The all-natural marine facility offers guests the unique opportunity to interact one-on-one with these intelligent animals. The facility’s main objective is to heighten guest’s awareness of the needs of marine mammals and their environment with an emphasis on education and entertainment. Dolphin Encounters Limited and Project BEACH have received a Cacique Award – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism’s highest honour for excellence in tourism.

Dolphin Encounters - Project B.E.A.C.H., the non-profit arm of Dolphin Encounters, was developed to provide unique opportunities for marine education for Bahamian students and teachers. Project BEACH offers fourteen innovative educational programmes that have been embraced by thousands of students and teachers throughout The Bahamas and abroad.
In 1997, Dolphin Encounters became a member of the prestigious Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA). In 2004, the facility became an accredited member - confirming its status of one of the top marine parks in its field. The facility is also a member of IMATA, the International Marine Animal Trainers Association; the largest organization of its kind.

 

For Photos from the Conference and it's events, click Here!
To learn more about the IAAAM visit www.IAAAM.org.
To learn more about AMMPA, visit www.AMMPA.org.