Absolutely Fish National Awards & Recognitions

By Patrick Donston

As we enter our 25th year, I’ve been asked numerous times; “Where have we been recently?”

Some of you already know the amount of teaching and speaking engagements I used to do nationally. My last appearance was the Aquatic Experience in Chicago and Secaucus, NJ, where thanks to WPA, I was given the opportunity to develop the Fish Health Management Courses. Since the pandemic, we’ve been non-existent.

No shows. No speeches…not anywhere?

The Aquarists and Managers here at Absolutely Fish have been continuing improvements by receiving Animal Welfare Certificates from the Aquarium Vet in Melbourne, Australia. Yes, we’ve been fortunate enough to win Retailer of the Year by Pet Product News and a Retailer Live Animal Excellence Award from Global Pet Expo. We were even voted one of “America’s Coolest Pet Stores” by Pet + Magazine. I commend our Management and Aquarists on board for their commitment to Aquatic Life – Care – Education and Well Being. They are truly “stewards of the environment”.

Absolutely Fish article on Pets+ magazine

Well, since the pandemic, we have not disappeared.

To the contrary, we’re working harder than ever. In 2022 we were awarded: “Ambassador of the Year” by Pet Advocacy Network for our work in Hawaii, membership, and sustainability. In 2023 we graciously accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award by the World Pet Association. This year we’ve committed to a partnership with Dr. Paul Anderson of the Coral Reef Fisheries Campaign, where we are diligently working on a LFS Education Program. So, in many ways we’re trying harder to reach out and educate Aquarists, Hobbyists, and Professionals alike…to this wonderful – enchanting – fascinating hobby we love so much.

I hope you enjoy the upcoming blogs that our team will be writing over the next few months. As always, I hope to see you soon.

– Patrick

A series of awards given to us over the years