Sustainable aquarium trade—from reef-safe collections in Indonesia to responsible aquaculture in U.S. markets—demands a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach. Today, forward-thinking innovators are tapping into STEM talent to explore how robotics can help elevate the sustainability of both the trade and the hobby.
Consider this:
- Underwater robots mapping coral reefs and monitoring fish stocks.
- Aquaculture automation that tests water quality and maintains tank hygiene.
- Smart aquarium systems with robotic feeders and algae-scrubbing tools.
These aren’t theoretical concepts. Many of these technologies already align with cutting-edge scientific tools improving precision, sustainability, and animal welfare across the global aquarium industry.
The MOAI Robotic Aquarium Cleaner and Camera. YouTube/MOAI.
Engaging the Next Generation in STEM & Marine Science
This spring, something extraordinary took place in West Springfield, Massachusetts—an event that could redefine how we approach youth innovation in service of ocean sustainability. Held at the iconic Eastern States Exposition (“The Big E”), the FIRST® Tech Challenge New England Premier Event united top-tier student robotics teams from across the region and beyond. While it’s primarily a robotics competition for middle and high school students--for professionals in aquarium fisheries, marine conservation, and STEM education, it signals something more: A growing pipeline of next-generation talent working on real-world environmental solutions.
We’re proud that Dr. Paul Anderson, Director of Aquarium Fisheries, was honored at the event with a competition division named after him—acknowledging the rising influence of marine science in K–12 STEM ecosystems. Dr. Zoe Courville of Dartmouth College’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) was also recognized, representing the deep ties between local science leadership and student innovation.
Altogether, 56 teams engaged in the competition—split between the Anderson and Courville Divisions. The theme of this year’s competition was “Into the Deep!” where student-built remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) were tasked with scouring the sea floor for environmental samples and bringing them back to the submarine for analysis.
The Premier Event was co-located with the region’s largest FIRST Robotics Competition and the NE FIRST Expo. This convergence created an immersive, campus-like atmosphere featuring:
- LEGO League showcases
- BattleBots exhibitions
- Sponsor and scholarship booths
Together, these experiences form one of the most robust and inclusive STEM engagement platforms in the country—and it’s just getting started. The ocean is waiting for the next wave of innovation. Let's meet it--together.
'Til next time.
