The Marine Aquarium Societies of North America (MASNA) has announced that it is shuttering operations. MASNA is the non-profit organization that manages MACNA (the Marine Aquarium Conference of North America), the oldest marine aquarium conference in North America.
MACNA was one of the first and best-known marine conferences, spanning over 33 years! The Marine Aquarium Conference of North America has hosted over 215 expert speakers, thousands of attendees, and many hundreds of vendors over that time.
MACNA was the first aquarium conference I ever attended and I was instantly hooked. For nearly two decades, I traveled around the U.S. for each MACNA, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. I’m saddened by the closure, but left with such great memories, many of which my phone and social media accounts showcase for me each year. Join me in sharing your favorite MACNA memories and stories on our Facebook page.
MASNA official statement below:
MASNA closure
It is with heavy hearts that the Board of Directors of the Marine Aquarium Societies of North America (MASNA) announces the closure of the organization. Despite our best efforts to revitalize MASNA and navigate the challenges of recent years, we have been unable to secure the necessary support to sustain our operations.
MASNA proudly organized the Marine Aquarium Conference of North America (MACNA), which for over three decades served as a thriving resource for aquarists to connect with peers, learn from experts, and grow their skills. We are forever grateful for the tens of thousands of attendees, hundreds of vendors, a wide range of sponsors, and upwards of 200 presenters over the years. However, like many in-person events, MACNA faced significant challenges during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. These impacts have contributed to the difficult decision we now face. As the sun sets on MACNA in its current form, we take pride in the meaningful contributions the conference has made to the marine aquarium community.
Over recent years, the way we communicate and connect has shifted dramatically, reshaping the landscape for the organizations that serve our community. The growing dominance of digital platforms has transformed how knowledge and expertise are shared, but this evolution also highlights the need for a new, modernized MASNA-like community organization—a centralized hub where the marine aquarists can unite, collaborate, and succeed together. While MASNA must close its doors, the challenges we face today present an opportunity where something new can rise—a future organization that will meet the needs of aquarists in this digital age.
We believe that with the right vision, dedication, and community support, something new and even stronger could reestablish in its place—a community-driven platform that not only connects aquarists but also upholds the passion and commitment to responsible practices that MASNA has always represented. The potential for a redefined MASNA remains, and perhaps one day, we will see its revival, adapted to the evolving needs of our community.
For many years, MASNA served as a trusted source of knowledge and expertise, and as we move forward, we encourage all aquarists to remain diligent in their pursuit of excellence by continuing to seek out reliable, validated information. Exceptional, vetted sources of knowledge still exist, including respected print publications, many of which are now available digitally, offering both convenience and a reduced environmental impact.
The MASNA board urges you to continue supporting the remaining community groups and locally-owned brick-and-mortar fish stores. These pillars of our hobby are essential for maintaining the high standards that make aquarium keeping such a meaningful and rewarding experience. Without them, it may become too easy for the quality of the marine aquarium community to wane.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication throughout the years. Though MASNA may be closing, the passion for the marine aquarium hobby lives on through each of you.
With gratitude,
The MASNA Board of Directors
