Title

To: FOBIA Board of Directors

From: Stephen Goodfellow (Vice President)

Date: 08/30/05

Subject: Proposal for ad hoc committee: World Lakes Aquarium Initiative

Overview:

Some ten years ago, Belle Isle Aquarium curator Doug Sweet proposed to the Zoo that they create a World Lakes Aquarium at the Belle Isle Aquarium location. The idea did not fit in with Zoo Director Ron Kagan’s vision, and so was shelved.

Now that the Zoological Society is well out of the picture, I ask the board to consider the merits of Curator Doug Sweet’s vision.

What better place to dedicate an aquarium to the lakes of the World than at the Belle Isle Aquarium? Consider, the Belle Isle Aquarium is situated on the confluence of the greatest bodies of water in the World. The BIA is naturally situated as a foundation for such an initiative.

The World Lakes Aquarium would exhibit aquatic creatures from the World’s great lakes and rivers, and be a first class research and educational institution. Its mission would be of global reach and would bring prestige to the City of Detroit.

Up until now, all FOBIA’s efforts have been reactive, in that we are attempting to reopen the venerable 101 year old Belle Isle Aquarium. We need to show the community that we can be pro-active as well, that we can dream and turn visions into reality.

Also, it is important that we preempt Dr. Ron Kagan, who eagerly continues to pursue a ‘Shamoo Aquarium’ concept for downtown Detroit. If we actively pursue creating a Great Lakes of the World Aquarium it will make any efforts and initiatives proposed by Mr. Kagan a mute point.

Proposed Action:

I recommend that the FOBIA board create an ad hoc World Lakes Aquarium Initiative Committee. It should report its progress directly to the board at its meetings.

It’s purpose is to envision the project and in conjunction with the existing committees, pursue the practical feasibility of and finding monies for expanding the present Aquarium facilities.

As a start, the World Lakes Aquarium Initiative Committee could consider creating an World Lakes Aquarium Architectural Competition. The advantage is that is relatively low cost and the competition, together with it’s associated drawings and models that are generated will be first rate media material.

We could have three prizes, 1^st, $2,500.00, 2^nd, $900.00 and third $500.00 as well as thee honorable mentions.

Such a project could be pursued immediately.