Joe Lavery

Professional Background

An experienced marine biologist and aquarium curator, Joe has worked in the public aquarium industry for the last 18 years. After working at the husbandry level as an aquarist, senior aquarist, and curator, he went on to hold a number of senior positions with Merlin Entertainments’ SEA LIFE division, including as Regional Project Curator for SEA LIFE Europe and then Global Curator of Research & Development for 57 SEA LIFE aquariums worldwide. Joe has worked on more than 25 public aquarium projects across seven time zones, including 12 new build aquariums and 11 major capital projects. During the latter half of his tenure at Merlin Entertainments, Joe was Chair of the European Diving Safety Board and Vice-Chair of the Global Diving Safety Board.

Currently Joe is a consultant to the zoo & aquarium industry, specialising in the the design, development, and day-to-day operation of public aquariums in the UK and worldwide. He is also a Non-Executive Director of the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth and Board Member for the Ocean Conservation Trust.

Areas of Expertise

• Design and development of aquarium projects from concept to construction
• Animal management including species selection, animal sourcing, transportation
• Aquarium set-up, launch, and operation
• Zoo licensing and veterinary management
• Setup and management of dive operations
• Zoo & aquarium innovation