At Pacific East Aquaculture, we are dedicated to sustainable aquaculture and to helping hobbyists become successful in keeping corals and marine life thriving in their home aquariums. We freely share our knowledge and guidance, backed by more than 50 years of combined experience in marine aquarium keeping, coral propagation, and aquaculture.
As the reef aquarium hobby and technology continue to evolve, we recognize that there are often many successful approaches to achieving the same goal — healthy, thriving marine ecosystems. We are always learning ourselves and remain open to honest discussion, new ideas, and collaboration within the hobby. We welcome your questions, comments, and shared experiences.
Pacific East Aquaculture is one of the nation’s largest coral aquaculture facilities. For more than 25 years, we have partnered with coral farms and aquaculture facilities around the world, helping establish sustainable farming operations and working closely with international aquaculture leaders. Today, we proudly offer cultured livestock sourced both from our own facility and from trusted global partners committed to responsible reef sustainability.
This hands-on experience provides invaluable opportunities for both our interns and aspiring hobbyists. Pacific East Aquaculture is far more than a traditional aquarium store or strip mall pet shop — sustainability, education, and marine conservation are at the core of everything we do. We actively work around the world to help make sustainable marine propagation a reality for future generations.
We proudly partner with Salisbury University, part of the University of Maryland system, offering accredited internships organized through their Biology Department. Students gain hands-on experience working directly within our facility while earning graduation credits and participating in diverse research projects. Some interns have gone on to become employees, while others have completed research studies, oral presentations, scientific posters, and published papers based on their work with us.
As a certified educational partner with Salisbury University, we are passionate about helping students discover both the science and wonder of marine aquaculture. While some interns arrive with years of reef keeping experience, many have never owned an aquarium before. Watching that spark ignite as they experience the beauty and complexity of coral reef ecosystems firsthand is incredibly rewarding.
Over the years, we have also welcomed homeschool students into our internship and educational programs. These experiences are especially meaningful as students not only learn about marine biology, sustainability, and aquaculture, but often share their own unique interests and perspectives that enrich our facility as well.
At Pacific East Aquaculture, we love sharing our decades of knowledge and experience, but we also understand that learning never stops. The marine aquarium hobby is constantly evolving, and we remain committed to exploring new and innovative ways to keep marine livestock healthy and thriving. Several interns have conducted specialized research projects at our facility, contributing valuable discoveries and educational presentations along the way.
Who knows — one day, one of these students may discover a breakthrough compound from corals or marine organisms that could help advance medicine or improve our understanding of the natural world. The possibilities within marine science and aquaculture are truly limitless and exciting.
We encourage students, hobbyists, educators, and marine enthusiasts to contact us about future internship opportunities and educational programs and become part of our world.
Educating Future Hobbyists
Dr. Mac’s passion, experience, and dedication to the reef aquarium hobby continue to inspire a new generation of marine hobbyists and aquaculture enthusiasts. We regularly host educational tours for local schools, scouting organizations, homeschool groups, and community programs.
Dr. Mac is also a frequent speaker and presenter for organizations ranging from elementary schools to senior citizen groups, sharing the fascinating story of coral aquaculture, reef conservation, and marine aquarium keeping. Visitors are captivated by the beauty and complexity of our reef systems, from vibrant coral displays to the intricate micro-worlds thriving within our aquariums.
One of the most rewarding parts of what we do is watching visitors experience the wonder of marine life firsthand — whether through interactive touch tanks, guided facility tours, or engaging educational discussions. Seeing children and adults alike become excited about reef keeping, marine biology, and ocean conservation reminds us why education and sustainability are such important parts of our mission.
Over the years, Pacific East Aquaculture has proudly supported many local marine aquarium clubs, and we strongly encourage hobbyists to become active members of their local reef keeping communities.
If your school, organization, aquarium club, or community group would like to schedule a facility tour or educational presentation with Dr. Mac, we would love to hear from you.
For information about internships or to schedule a group tour, please contact us at: corals@pacificeastaquaculture.com
