Dr John Mandelman is vice president and chief scientist for the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts. The Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life is the Aquarium’s solutions-based ocean research, policy, and technical advising institute.
Mandelman has been with the aquarium in various roles since 2004. His scientific research has focused on better understanding and reducing the negative effects of human-induced disturbances on vulnerable ocean species, including sharks in the North Atlantic. His work has often been used to inform fisheries management, industry practices and ocean policy.
One recent project that Mandelman has been instrumental in creating is New England Aquarium’s innovative incubator programme, BlueSwell, which is dedicated to providing support for early-stage entrepreneurship in Bluetech. A number of start-up companies across a variety of domains have already come through the BlueSwell programme. These films are working in a range of sectors, from offshore renewables and offshore wind aquaculture to plastic waste reduction and recycling, underwater acoustics, and sustainable seafood.
At greenloop 2022, he spoke about why he believes aquariums are crucial in pushing these innovations toward responsible development:
“It is really important, when we think about advances in technology and industry use of any environment, whether it be the land or the ocean, that we’re thinking about holding that sector accountable towards conservation outcomes. We have a long-standing partnership with various industries. It’s a coexistence that allows those industries to grow, drive economics and create jobs. It also keeps the environment, and the ocean, healthy.
“Our vision is of a vibrant and vital ocean for future generations. That comes with both the belief that we need to safeguard biodiversity for biodiversity’s sake, as well as the value of the ocean for the health of the planet. Humans rely on the ocean, and that needs to continue for future generations.”