The Pier Aquarium is an intimate 2,000 sq. ft. aquarium and marine education center established in 1988 as a 501(c) 3, not-for-profit organization in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida.

Founding sponsors, which included the University of South Florida College of Marine Science, the National Marine Fisheries Services, Florida Sea Grant, Pinellas County Schools, Florida Progress, Inc., St. Petersburg Times and Chase Bank of Florida, saw the Aquarium as a testament to the numerous nationally recognized marine research institutions located in the city. It would be a unique resource for public education with the laboratory, Tampa Bay, right outside the building doors.

The Aquarium’s uniquely trained marine eduction staff – students from local colleges and universities – translates the scientific information on the oceans, aquatic animals, conservation and up-to-date environmental issues to Tampa Bay area students, teachers, residents and visitors to make learning a more personal, entertaining experience. Our “Fresh Fish Theater,” the aquarium facilities, provides an educational, yet fun way to explore and discover what is literally in our own backyard!

The Pier Aquarium is the 2006 WEDU Be More Award Winner for Innovation for The Big Fish Move book, a project of the Saturday AM Coffee Break/Book Nook by the Bay program.

Staff

E. Howard Rutherford, Executive Director, graduate school, University of South
Florida College of Marine Science, chemical oceanography; B.S., marine chemistry 
Butch Ringelspaugh, Curator of Exhibits, B.S., environmental science, marine biology, avian science, ecology, University of South Florida
Emily Stehle, APR, PR/Marketing Director,  B.A., journalism, Northeastern University, Boston
Cynthia Fox, Director of Development, M.A., American studies, New York University; B.S., history, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh
Patty Zimmermann, Office Administrator

Museum Store
Juli Betterman, buyer
Jane McCurdy

Marine Educators
Drew Glaser, undergraduate, marine biology, St. Petersburg College
Kelly O'Connor
Kendra Oliver
Susan Sawyer, B.A., history; minor, education, University of Florida, Gainesville
Sara Ziegenfuss

Aquarists
Ashley H. MacKenzie, B.S., marine biology, Hawaii Pacific University, Kaneohe, HI
John Wolters, B.S., marine science, Jacksonville University; M.S., information management, Marymount University, Arlington, Va.

Board Members


Mark Luther, Ph.D., chair
Susan Wallace, vice chair
Lou Kavouras, secretary/treasurer
Peter Betzer, Ph.D.
Tijuana Bigham
Bob Hilton
Lari Johnson, immediate past chair
Sheila M. McDevitt
Barbara Patterson
Norm Blake, Ph.D., Emeritus
Alice Eachus, Emeritus
Merrill Moore, Emeritus
Don Sweat, Emeritus