Spotlight on The Estuarium Aquarists

They  clean the tanks, feed the fish, design the exhibits and perform a thousand other tasks behind the scenes to keep us educated and intrigued. The aquarist staff of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium is continuously busy, working diligently to keep the Estuarium exhibits updated and the fish and numerous other specimens healthy. You may not see them, but they are there, quietly working out of sight to help keep the underwater habitats clean and vibrant.

Robert Dixon, the Estuarium Manager, ovesees all of the operational functions of the aquarium. As a graphic designer Dixon is also responsible for the creation of new exhibits. Dixon adds, "I do a little bit of everything - designing new displays and overseeing the process of making them a reality. Whatever projects Dr. Crozier and Dr. Dindo dream up."

Senior Aquarist Brian Jones, who has been working at the Estuarium since before it opened in 1998, plays a large role in collecting animals for the exhibits. While finishing his Master's degree at the Sea Lab, Jones had begun collecting specimens for the Estuarium in order to earn funds for his research. As Senior Aquarist, he is not only responsible for maintaining his share of the tanks, but Jones also oversees the other aquarists at the Estuarium.  "I make sure that they're doing what needs to be done in their tanks. That hasn't been burdensome at all, because they're doing a great job!"

The diligence and attention of the staff of aquarists makes maintaining the Estuarium a pleasant atmosphere in which to work. Joe Ingraham and "newbie" aquarist Stephanie Wright are both graduates of the University of South Alabama and were excited when positions in the Estuarium were advertised. Of all the duties they perform day-to-day, they all agreed that collecting new specimens was their favorite.

Contributed by John Clark, DISL Public Relations Intern, 2005