I have spent over 30 years working in a field of constant change where the welfare of live animals in our care is constantly influenced by a dynamic aquatic environment and changing social expectations. Practical experience, in depth understanding of animal behaviour, lateral thinking, imagination and effective risk management are the keys to success in designing and constructing exhibits that bring wonder and enjoyment to people and enable well trained husbandry teams to optimize animal welfare and interaction.Keeping one foot in the ocean is incredibly important to me and I am very fortunate to be working as a trustee for Kelly Tarltons Marine Wildlife trust and as a Steering Group member for the Waiheke Marine Project. Not only do we need to allow time and space for our near shore reef systems to recover increasingly we are finding we need to get in and lend a hand. I would encourage everyone who engages with the sea, to pause and think about what they can do to support recovery initiatives.