 Matt Seguin
Hometown: Sweet Home Chicago, Illinois (Suburbs-New Lenox and Palos Heights)
Title: Assistant Husbandry Manager (Animal Husbandry refers to the science of animal care.)
Started at Mote in early June 2008
How do you describe your job?
Aquarist
Pronunciation: \ə-kwa-rist, -kwer-ist\
Function: noun
Date: 1900
Definition: a person who keeps or maintains an aquarium
I can describe my job with one word: Science. Actually, I am more of a fish nurse/janitor. I keep the fish healthy and their exhibits clean. It is really difficult to describe my job--I always run into the problem at family gatherings or when meeting new people. Everything that I do at work falls into place somewhere under the heading of keeping the animals (and bosses) at the aquarium happy: keeping the water clean, maintaining and designing the filtration, preparing food and feeding the fish on exhibit, observing behavior, diagnosing and treating diseases, and brainstorming new exhibit ideas.
Favorite part of the job:
Working in aquarium quarantine, where we prevent fish disease. This is the area where new animals being introduced to Mote exhibits are observed before they join other animals in the Aquarium. Quarantine is one of the most important areas of animal care at the Aquarium. I really get satisfaction from making a correct diagnosis of a fish pathogen and successfully treating it before the fish is added to an exhibit tank. Not only does this help the fish, but it also helps my coworkers and contributes to the overall health of the aquarium. Quarantine is important.
I also really enjoy taking the time to talk to guests and volunteers about the displays that we take care of. Even during brief encounters, I am able to point out tiny details of the display (small fish or invertebrates that they might otherwise miss, but I notice because I care for the animals every day) and share stories about interesting behaviors to look for.
I really enjoy attempting to create exhibits that effectively show off the beauty and complexity of our local ecosystems. Showing people that such a diversity of life exists in the waters around Sarasota through our exhibits is definitely rewarding.
Most challenging part of the job:
The most challenging part of the job is operating within the budget of a non-profit. Aquarium parts (pumps, filters, etc) are expensive! I came from an aquarium with deep pockets so it was an adjustment learning the budget constraints, but the aquarists at Mote are very creative and we adapt pretty well to funding challenges. MacGyver would be proud if he saw some of the excellent systems that we have set up with our limited resources."
When did you become a "fish geek," or interested in this field?
When I was an undergraduate at the University of Florida, I started volunteering at the Florida Museum of Natural History under George Burgess, working on the International Shark Attack File. While I was working in the museum, I was exposed to such a huge diversity of fish species, that I immediately joined the ranks of the "fish geeks." I was drawn to the aquarium field because I was able to integrate my passion for fish with my interest in teaching people about the natural world.
Funny Aquarium Moment:
I have spent my aquarium career working at the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Brookfield Zoo, Discovery Cove, and SeaWorld Orlando. I have many good stories that I can tell, but one of my favorites occurred while I was employed at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville. Working on the R/V Bellows, I was helping a professor collect specimens for a survey of the fish of the Straits of Florida. When the trawl net was finally brought aboard the boat after a 90 minute tow, I managed to sneak a plastic bright purple batfish into the mix of specimens before it was spilled out onto the deck. We dumped the fish out and started sorting through our haul. When the professor in charge of the project saw the bright purple fish with iridescent yellow spots covering its body, he shouted an expletive and grabbed it excitedly. After a few moments of excitement, he realized his error and saw the "made in china" stamped on the bottom--thoughts of naming a new species (after me, no doubt) faded fast. This may not have been the best practical joke I ever pulled, but it was certainly the fish-nerdiest.
Future Goal: Enjoy life.
Favorite Quote: "Back off, man; I'm a scientist" -Dr Peter Venkman, Ghostbusters
Additional Thought: GO GATORS!!!
Education Seguin has a Bachelors of Science in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and a minor in Zoology from the University of Florida and a Masters in Biology from University of Central Florida. Department: Aquarium & Special Projects
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