The Minnesota Aquarium Society is a nonprofit organization by and for local aquarists. It's purpose is to encourage the study, keeping, propogation, and exhibit of aquatic life – as well as enable socialization of its members.
The funds raised from memberships and funds-based programs support these efforts:
- Monthly meetings for:
- hour-long presentations by local experts and national speakers
- socializing and networking among local aquarists
- formal recognition of members for accomplishments
- Annual events for the public: such as the Aquarium Expo
- Surrender Program (enabling people to 'surrender' fish they no longer want while MAS finds them a home)
- Publication of information: events, news, articles written by members
- Public services: such as helping fund local schools to set-up stocked aquaria.
- Provide participants for Minnesota panels and brainstorming sessions:
e.g., forum on the state's fish trade (Minnesota DNR) , Habitatittude (Sea Grant / U of M), unveiling a new stamp at Mall of America (U.S. Postal Service)
While our monthly meetings are open to all, membership in MAS includes special priviledges:
- ability to participate in programs such as BAP and HAP and to earn awards and recognition.
- abilty to bid on items at monthly meetings
- ability to participate in special activities such as darter collecting, fishroom tours, and the annual Plant Extravaganza
- full access to the MAS website and its members-only features. This includes the improved ability to connect and communicate with other members.
- receive discounts that some stores may offer
- ability to vote at MAS elections
- ability to serve on committees, as a chair, or as a board member
MAS offers three types of memberships: Individual, Family, and Junior.