Mission Statement

"The Marine Awareness and Conservation Society (MACS) is a student-run organization that promotes the conservation of marine ecosystems through public outreach events, philanthropy, and the promotion of scientific discovery, advocacy, and solutions."

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The Marine Awareness and Conservation Society

A Community-Oriented, Student-Run Organization

Founded in 2002, MACS engages in public outreach events, philanthropy, and fundraisers. Our outreach events are held at a number of community organizations, including the University of Arizona's Biosphere 2 and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, to name a few.  Outreach events include squid dissections, shark anatomy, intertidal education, plastic pollution, and sustainable fishing. We are always in the process of adding new exciting stations. 

 

In addition to our events, we visit local elementary, middle and high schools where we engage with students and educate them about marine ecosystems and sustainable fishing practices.  At the University of Arizona, we participate in the annual Tucson Festival of Books, Spring Fling, Camp Wildcat, U of A Food Day, Wildcat World Fair and Earth Day, and many more.  We have partnered with other conservation organizations such as CEDO Intercultural, Viva Vaquita, Seafood Watch and the Center for Biological Diversity, to provide exceptional, educational outreach events in the Tucson community.​

 

If you or someone you know would be interested in having us come to your classroom, after school program, festival, or summer camp, please feel free to contact us.  We would love to visit!  Please keep in mind that our organization is completely run by undergraduate students at the University of Arizona, and we request that you schedule a visit with us at least two to three months in advance.

 

Fundraising

Another important aspect of our organization is fundraising.  In the past we have held percentage nights at local restaurants and have organized bake sales on the University of Arizona Mall.  Fundraising helps our organization pay for club expenses, donate to other organizations and also helps us send some of our members on trips out of state.  For example, in September of 2017, some of our members visited San Diego, CA on a weekend trip where they participated in a beach clean up at Mission Beach, visited Birch Aquarium, and went tide pooling in La Jolla. 

 

Philanthropy

Philanthropy and supporting the marine science community is something we are very passionate about.  Each semester we choose a cause or conservation organization to make a donation to.  In the past, we have donated to the Virginia Aquarium, the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, ReKixx, the Sea Turtle Hospital in Marathon, FL and have adopted a coral reef in the Bahamas, courtesy of the Nature Conservancy.  Our current cause is the Whale and Dolphin Foundation. 

 

Join Us!

MACS is a great organization to be a part of at the U of A.  We welcome all majors; no prior marine science education is required. We work hard to provide great experiences for our members and the community and also try to plan as many activities as possible.  As a member of MACS, there are many great opportunities, including internships, job opportunities, networking, resume building and public speaking skills.

 

Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.  We would love to meet you!

See our Contact page for more information.