After 25 years at the helm of the Vancouver Aquarium, CEO John Nightingale announced Thursday that he will retire at the end of the year.
“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,” Nightingale said in a press release. “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.”
Nightingale took over in 1993 when founding director Murray Newman retired. He previously worked as assistant director at the New York Aquarium. Since then he has led the organization as it refined its mission, increased attendance, and expanded its science, conservation and public programs, culminating in the launch of Ocean Wise in 2017. He was also involved in starting the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, Ocean Wise Sustainable Seafood Program and the Coastal Ocean Research Institute, among other initiatives.
“From day one, I have sincerely believed that organizations like Ocean Wise, and its flagship Vancouver Aquarium, have a critical role to play in conservation,” he said. “We teach current and future generations about the life in our oceans with the hope they feel inspired to protect it.
“In this digital age, that connection to nature is needed like never before,” he said. “But as our efforts grew over the years, so did our understanding that we must do more — time is running out for the world’s oceans.”
Nightingale will stay on as CEO and president of Ocean Wise while the search for a replacement is under way.
Randy Pratt, chair of the Ocean Wise board of directors, spoke to Nightingale’s legacy.
“From the very beginning, John knew that, by bringing the oceans to life for people, we would amaze, engage and inspire a community to ocean conservationists — and he was right,” he said. “Over the last 25 years, our organization has grown by leaps and bounds, thanks to his visionary leadership.”
