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National Aquarium Expands Role In Conservation

BALTIMORE (AP) -- The National Aquarium in Baltimore is hiring a new officer to oversee its expanded mission to lead conservation efforts for ocean preservation.

The aquarium announced the hiring Wednesday of Eric Schwaab as senior vice president and chief conservation officer. Schwaab will oversee a team of 130 in the aquarium's conservation and science division, ranging from field conservation and biology programs to legislative advocacy and animal rescues.

Schwaab is currently acting assistant secretary for conservation and management for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the U.S. Department of Commerce. He joins the aquarium on July 1.

The National Aquarium has become more engaged in ocean policy initiatives. It's advocating on issues including a ban on shark fin sales, offshore wind development, plastic beverage container deposits and watershed conservation.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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