N.E. Aquarium regains its accreditation
The New England Aquarium yesterday marked a key milestone in its recovery from a budget crisis three years ago that led to layoffs, and a $1.4 million deficit.
The American Zoo and Aquarium Association restored the 37-year-old nonprofit's accreditation, which the aquarium lost in 2003 because of crippling financial and maintenance problems.
``We are feeling extremely good," said Bud Ris, the aquarium's president and chief executive officer. ``The AZA is the body that sets all of the standards for institutions like ours, so getting this is like getting their gold seal of approval."
In March 2003, the popular Boston tourist attraction became the first major aquarium or zoo in the nation to lose its accreditation because of maintenance and financial woes.
The main building, built in 1969, was in much need of repair. The number of visitors declined drastically after the Sept.11, 2001, terrorist attacks and during disruptive Big Dig construction, and abandoned expansion projects contributed to the financial turmoil, said aquarium officials.
As a result, in late 2003 aquarium officials eliminated roughly 20 percent of the 220 staff positions. Over the past three years, officials have scaled back costly programs, made structural repairs and improvements such as replacing old cement exteriors, and have emphasized education and conservation, Ris said.
``The financial outlook has improved dramatically," the report said. ``Given the physical limitations of the facility, the administration and staff have shown a keen ability to utilize space and resources to the utmost. Through careful planning and evaluation, very little is wasted, and departments work together to plan projects to maximize impact and Aquarium leaders welcomed the positive assessment.
``Basically, we are on a path now to make the New England Aquarium a world-class institution again," said Ris, who has been at the helm for about a year. ``The Big Dig is almost finished, and, with the Greenway coming, you can find the aquarium again. Financially we are much stronger. We will be running on a $1 million to $2 million surplus. That will allow us to put money back into the maintenance of the building. We still have a lot more work to do there."
Megan Tench can be reached at mtench@globe.com. 
