Georgia Aquarium maintains a Class R research license and an independent committee to evaluate animal welfare and ethics surrounding our research programs. The IACUC is responsible for the oversight of Georgia Aquarium’s animal care and use in teaching and research. It is a federally regulated committee that reports to the Institutional Officer and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
IACUC responsibilities include:
- Review, evaluate, and approve research proposals for animal welfare and ethics.
- Full review of the institution’s animal care and use program and an inspection of animal facilities every 6 months.
- Review animal care and use concerns surrounding research activities and investigate, if warranted.
- Continued monitoring of ongoing activities involving the care and use of the animals for teaching and research.
- Local, state, and federal reporting as required.
Research conducted with Georgia Aquarium must be aligned with the aquarium’s strategic goals, Research Policy, and Research Approval Standard Conditions. If you have any questions or concerns about Georgia Aquarium’s animal care and use program, please contact the Animal Welfare Committee Chair or the IACUC at iacuc@georgiaaquarium.org.
