Washington, D.C., February 27, 2026 — The Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP) is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural ACP Policy Fellowship Program, a first-of-its-kind multigenerational initiative designed to build a strong cohort of emerging and established advocates for ocean and freshwater conservation.

The Fellowship reflects ACP’s long-standing commitment to advancing impactful policy solutions through advocacy at the local, state, tribal, federal, and international levels. In today’s rapidly evolving policy landscape, ACP recognizes that cultivating effective advocates requires mentorship, training, and structured opportunities for engagement. The new program will equip participants with the tools, skills, and support needed to become powerful voices for aquariums, zoos, and the species and ecosystems they work to protect.

“This Fellowship allows us to invest in the next generation of conservation leaders while strengthening the collective power of our membership,” said Kim McIntyre, Executive Director of ACP. “Our aquariums and zoos are on the frontlines of conservation every day, and this Fellowship ensures we are elevating  well-equipped advocates to carry that work forward.” 

To support this vision, the Fellowship provides participants with opportunities to expand, enhance, or develop essential advocacy and leadership skills.

The Fellowship integrates an intergenerational approach through joint lessons, presentations, project development, and one-on-one coaching, all designed to help participants build and strengthen essential advocacy and leadership skills. Upon completion, graduates will be recognized as ACP Ambassadors and will have the opportunity to attend and participate in Capitol Hill Ocean Week (CHOW) and Upwell in June 2026 in Washington, D.C. Ambassadors will also engage directly in ACP-led advocacy initiatives, contribute to Policy Work Group meetings, and receive priority consideration for leadership roles across ACP’s policy portfolio.

The goals of the ACP Policy Fellowship are to:

• Build a strong group of effective advocates for aquarium- and zoo-related conservation issues.

• Develop a trusted network of ACP Ambassadors who serve as reliable resources for decision-makers.

• Strengthen conservation constituencies at the local, state, and national levels.

• Communicate the critical impact of aquariums and zoos on ocean and freshwater conservation.

“With the launch of this Fellowship, ACP is investing in long-term leadership that will advance science-based policy,” said Ayana Melvan, Executive Vice President at ACP. “We’re excited to also strengthen member institutions’ advocacy capacity and elevate the voices of aquariums and zoos in shaping a healthier future for our planet’s waters.”

For more information about the ACP Policy Fellowship Program, visit here or contact Ayana Melvan, Executive Vice President.

About the Aquarium Conservation Partnership

The Aquarium Conservation Partnership is a coalition of aquariums working together to increase our conservation impact. Collectively, our 35 members in 23 states welcome over 40 million visitors a year. ACP members advocate for policy change, advance federal and state conservation policies, mobilize audiences to take action, and demonstrate our commitment to conservation in our business practices. Our mission is to safeguard ocean and freshwater ecosystems by aligning and supporting the conservation efforts of aquariums for greater collective and individual impact.