Marie Collins is head of conservation, welfare and education at Sea Life North America, which is owned by Merlin Entertainments. There, she oversees various conservation initiatives and ensures the highest standards of animal welfare. With 20 years of experience in the aquarium science industry, Collins has made exceptional contributions to marine biology, conservation and education. She has dedicated her career to the study and preservation of marine life.
At Sea Life North America, Collins has advanced the organisation’s mission to protect marine ecosystems and educate the public about the importance of ocean conservation. Her leadership has been instrumental in developing and implementing myriad conservation programmes that have had a significant impact on marine wildlife. Under Collins’ leadership, Sea Life North America has also been recognised for its innovative approaches to marine life care.
One person who nominated Marie Collins said she “continually looks for opportunities to help her network be inspired and grow whilst assisting students find their way into marine science”.
They added: “She has developed and led numerous educational programs that inspire and engage the public, particularly young people, in marine conservation. Her efforts have helped to foster a new generation of ocean advocates who are committed to protecting our planet’s marine environments.
“Her unwavering dedication to marine conservation, her innovative approach to animal welfare, and her leadership in educational initiatives make her a deserving candidate.”
Merlin Entertainments, the Sea Life Trust, and Merlin’s Sea Life aquariums work together on marine conservation projects across the world, from saving endangered species to protecting environments.
One project is a coral rescue programme to safeguard Florida’s reefs from stony coral tissue loss disease. Sea Life San Antonio and Sea Life Charlotte-Concord are teaming up with three other Sea Life aquariums across the US on this initiative.
Elsewhere, Sea Life California is supporting a recovery programme for vulnerable zebra sharks in the Raja Ampat Islands in Indonesia.