Masna shutting down

[Origami]

Received this email this morning announcing the end of an era. Insurmountable financial issues stemming from recent MACNA conferences and COVID sunk the organization.

 

*****

 

Dear MASNA Membership,

 

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

 

 

 

Sent from my SM-N986U1 using Tapatalk

 

 

[YHSublime]

Hate to hear it. Over the past decade + I have learned so much about saltwater, and continue to do so. I’m very happy that WAMAS exists and can help be stewards of knowledge and information while building the saltwater community at the same time. We’re receiving our information and knowledge at a faster rate than ever before, but a lot of it isn’t true. It’s hard to discern what’s what, especially as a new hobbyist. 
 

I see this happening everyday in a lot of different industries, and I do worry about what the future looks like. As humans we romanticize the past, and are hesitant to accept change, I hope whatever comes next is bright and as good as I remember the reefing haydays.

[DaJMasta]

It was likely since the cancellation of this year's MACNA, but it's too bad to see it happen.  A staple of learning in our community gone by the wayside.  I got so much out of the recorded talks from MACNAs and would have liked to see some in person, I hope another organization can take up the mantle in some form (MARCNA of last year as an example of a similar sort of thing done online with a much reduced budget.)

[Squishie89]

That is just too bad. Makes me really glad I was able to go and volunteer when we had MACNA here last.