{"id":34,"date":"2025-05-01T10:18:51","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T10:18:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bkrause.softvenceomega.com\/?page_id=34"},"modified":"2026-03-16T16:01:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T01:01:36","slug":"member-program","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/?page_id=34","title":{"rendered":"Member Programs"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"34\" class=\"elementor elementor-34\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8c3df3a e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"8c3df3a\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-804745d e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"804745d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cfb1f1c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"cfb1f1c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Member Programs<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-68643c4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"68643c4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Explore our member-exclusive initiatives: BAP, HAP, and CARES. Learn about eligibility, requirements, and access program forms.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ca618e9 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"ca618e9\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e93ffdd e-n-tabs-mobile elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-tabs\" data-id=\"e93ffdd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;horizontal_scroll&quot;:&quot;disable&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-tabs.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-tabs\" data-widget-number=\"244580317\" aria-label=\"Tabs. Open items with Enter or Space, close with Escape and navigate using the Arrow keys.\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-tabs-heading\" role=\"tablist\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-2445803171\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"true\" data-tab-index=\"1\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-2445803171\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 1;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tBAP\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-2445803172\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"2\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-2445803172\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 2;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tHAP\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-2445803173\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"3\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-2445803173\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 3;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tCARES\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-2445803174\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"4\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-2445803174\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 4;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tWinners by Year\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-2445803175\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"5\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-2445803175\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 5;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tStandings by Year\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-tabs-content\">\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-2445803171\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-2445803171\" data-tab-index=\"1\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 1;\" class=\"e-active elementor-element elementor-element-3759871 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"3759871\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a31777d e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a31777d\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6d35ed5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6d35ed5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/?p=2336\">ACM\u2019s Breeder Award Program (BAP)\n<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ffbcdb5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ffbcdb5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>The purpose of the Breeder Award Program (BAP) is: to promote the keeping and breeding of aquarium animals, to recognize and motivate achievement in the hobby, to encourage research into the breeding of more difficult species, to share knowledge about different techniques, and to document accounts of breeding.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0b119b8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0b119b8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><strong>Rules<\/strong><\/h2><p>All fish are divided into twelve (12) classes:<\/p><ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Livebearers<\/li><li>Anabantoids<\/li><li>Cyprinids<\/li><li>Catfish<\/li><li>Characins<\/li><li>Cichlids (Old World)<\/li><li>Cichlids (Rift Lake)<\/li><li>Cichlids (New World)<\/li><li>Killifish<\/li><li>Rainbowfish<\/li><li>Invertebrates<\/li><li>Other fish<\/li><\/ol><p>Each class is subdivided into 4 point-groups:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>A = 5 points<\/li><li>B = 10 points<\/li><li>C = 15 points<\/li><li>D = 20 points<\/li><\/ul><p>To earn points the aquarist must spawn (in their own tanks) and then raise at least 4 fry to at least 30 days of age, and then auction off the 4 fry at a monthly meeting\/ACM auction. (See ACM BAP Chairperson if your fish normally has less than 4 fry.)<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\u201c30 days of age\u201d = # of days after hatching for egg layers<\/li><li>\u201c30 days of age\u201d = after normal release for mouthbrooders<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"wp-block-file aligncenter has-link-color wp-elements-a8f7b2c42186eda34bed2521f2a57dcc\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\"><strong>BAP Point Listings:<\/strong><\/p><div class=\"wp-block-file aligncenter has-link-color wp-elements-a8f7b2c42186eda34bed2521f2a57dcc\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/acm-bap-species-points-4.5_1jan2025-3-1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ACM BAP Species Points List<\/a><\/div><div data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\">\u00a0<\/div><p>Documentation is necessary to receive BAP points. It is the responsibility of the aquarist to either 1) complete the online BAP Entry form BEFORE the auction in which the fry are submitted, or 2) give the BAP Chairperson a printed form AT THE TIME of the auction. Points will not be awarded without either online or printed documentation. It is also the responsibility of the aquarist to check the appropriate box on the auction website to indicate that the fish are a BAP entry lot.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\u00a0<\/div><p>Identification is also necessary. Bags of fry submitted for auction must be clearly labeled with the following:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Aquarist\u2019s name<\/li><li>Scientific name of the fish<\/li><li>Common name (if applicable)<\/li><li>Other relevant information (first time spawned, second generation, etc.)<\/li><\/ul><p>An additional 10 points can be earned by submitting an article of at least 150 words to the MD Finquirer for publication in the monthly club newsletter. This is optional for Groups A, B, and C. Articles should be submitted to:\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:HungryChessieJr@gmail.com\">HungryChessieJr@gmail.com<\/a>. Articles should center around the aquarist\u2019s experience with the fish, both spawning and raising the fry.<\/p><p>Group D has an additional requirement. Within 30 days of the auction, an article regarding the spawning procedure must be submitted to the Newsletter Editor. Without this, the 20 points WILL NOT be awarded. (The additional 5 points for article submission will still be added!) Articles for second, third, or fourth generation Group D spawns are not required.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"color: #1e293b; font-size: 1.875rem; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 600;\">Achievement Awards<\/span><\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Breeder of the Year Prize: $50 and an Award Certificate<\/h4><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Novice Breeder: 25 points \u2013 earned by breeding fish from any class.<\/li><li>Hobbyist Breeder: 50 points \u2013 earned by breeding fish from\u00a0at least\u00a02 classes.<\/li><li>Accomplished Breeder: 100 points \u2013 plus 1 completed class.<\/li><li>Advanced Breeder: 200 points \u2013 plus 2 completed classes.<\/li><li>Expert Breeder: 300 points \u2013 plus 4 completed classes and a 2nd generation spawn.<\/li><li>Master Breeder: 600 points \u2013 plus 10 completed classes and\u00a0at least\u00a0two 2nd generation spawns from any class.<\/li><li>Grand Master Breeder: \u201cMaster Breeder\u201d status \u2013 plus\u00a0at least\u00a05 species spawned from target groups, completion of all classes, and\u00a0at least\u00a04 generation spawns from any class.<\/li><\/ul><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Class Awards<\/h2><p>Each submission will automatically be applied to Class Awards earned by the aquarist, and running totals will be kept by the BAP chair and published in the monthly newsletter.<\/p><p>The number of species needed to complete a Class Award are listed below. A Class Award may be earned more than once \u2013 members will received a certificate for each Class Award they have completed.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Class 1: Livebearers \u2013 6 species<\/li><li>Class 2: Anabantoids \u2013 5 species<\/li><li>Class 3: Cyprinids \u2013 6 species<\/li><li>Class 4: Catfish \u2013 5 species<\/li><li>Class 5: Characins \u2013 5 species<\/li><li>Class 6: Cichlids (Old World) \u2013 6 species<\/li><li>Class 7: Cichlids (Rift Lake) \u2013 6 species<\/li><li>Class 8: Cichlids (New World) \u2013 6 species<\/li><li>Class 9: Killifish \u2013 6 species<\/li><li>Class 10: Rainbowfish \u2013 5 species<\/li><li>Class 11: Invertebrates \u2013 5 species<\/li><li>Class 12: Other fish \u2013 3 species<\/li><\/ul><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Criteria<\/h2><ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Membership: The aquarist must be a member in good standing of ACM in order to participate in the BAP.<\/li><li>Second generation spawns, in any class, will be awarded an additional 5 points. An aquarist may then submit third generation spawns, and fourth generation spawns. Each of the generation spawns must utilize fish that have been raised from the previous spawn.<\/li><li>Hybrids are ineligible. No points will be awarded for hybrids. No deformed fish will be accepted for points or auction. Albinos, fish selectively bred for color, body form or finnage, and transgenic fish are accepted.<\/li><li>CARES Fish earn 5 additional points. Fish that are on the CARES Species List at the time of the auction will be awarded the normal class\/group points plus 5 additional points at the successful completion of the breeding requirements.<\/li><li>Points are only awarded once to each breeder for each species, with the following exceptions:<br \/><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Uniquely maintained color varieties.<\/li><li>Uniquely maintained shape varieties.<\/li><li>Uniquely maintained wild populations.<\/li><li>Second generation points.<\/li><li>Third generation points.<\/li><li>Fourth generation points \u2013 In the cases of groups A, B, and C, points will be awarded for a maximum of 3 varieties per species per calendar year.<\/li><li>Wild populations must have collection information included with the fry.<\/li><li>Second generation spawns in group D are not considered to be two group D fish.<\/li><li>You need to spawn completely different species of fish in order to be eligible for the advance awards.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ol><h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Certificates will be awarded at the completion of the breeding requirements. Plaques or Gift Cards will be awarded at opportune times.<\/h6><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Recognition<\/h2><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Most Difficult Fish<\/h5><p>This award will be presented to the aquarist who has bred the most difficult BAP fish during the past year. Nominations will be made at the November meeting. The recipient will be chosen by ballot vote by a majority vote of the members present at this meeting.<\/p><h5>\u00a0<\/h5><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Breeder of the Year<\/h5><p>An award will be given to the BAP participant who has the highest BAP point total in any given calendar year. The award will be given in January. A participant may be awarded both the Rookie-of-the-Year and the Breeder-of-the-Year awards in the same year.<\/p><h5>\u00a0<\/h5><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rookie of the Year<\/h5><p>An award will be given to the new BAP participant who successfully spawns and BAPs the most fish in the first 12 months starting with his\/her first BAP entry. [For example: The eligibility of a rookie participant whose first BAP occurs in January will end in December. The eligibility of a rookie participant whose first BAP occurs in February will end in January of the following year. Etc.] The winner of this award will be determined at the end of each calendar year. It will consider those participants whose eligibility ends during the previous year. However, if a \u2018rookie\u2019 who has yet to complete his\/her first year has already accrued the more points, that participant will be eligible to win<br \/>the Rookie award. (A person who wins the Rookie award early is not eligible for it the following year.)<\/p><h5>\u00a0<\/h5><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tie-Breakers<\/h5><p>For either Rookie-of-the-Year or Breeder-of-the-Year: A tie will result in co-winners of the award. But if the tying point level is less than 100 points, the BAP Chair may select a single winner if one of them has a higher points-per-submission.<\/p><h5>\u00a0<\/h5><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Specialization Award<\/h5><p>This award offers a breeder the chance to specialize in the same or similar species that differ by location or color variety, such as angelfishes or guppies. It also allows one to specialize in a related group of species. To begin, an aquarist must declare a logical grouping of fish to specialize in \u2013 the BAP Chair needs to approve the declared specialization. Then, in order to earn the award, a bag of at least 4 fry must be submitted to an ACM auction from at least 6 different varieties or species from that logical grouping.<\/p><p>Examples of Logical Groupings<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Varieties based upon color or location, such as angelfishes, guppies, or a species of shrimp.<\/li><li>A genus of fish such as Hyphessobrycon, Cichlasoma, Poecilia, etc.<\/li><li>A family of fish such as barbs, tetras, cichlids. However, for a larger and relatively easier group, we would encourage the specialization be more specific such as dwarf cichlids, lake cichlids, or earth eaters.<\/li><li>Species from a particular river system.<\/li><\/ul><h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Qualifications for the Specialization Award<\/h6><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The breeder should have first submitted a species through regular BAP before submitting it as part of a specialization project.<\/li><li>Specialization fry may be from the same spawn as those turned in for BAP points but must be in a separate bag (two bags with a minimum of 4 fry in each will cover both awards).<\/li><li>There is no time limit on the attempt.<\/li><\/ul><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diversification Award<\/h5><p>An award will be given for diversity in breeding. To receive this award, the participant must have received BAP points for at least one fish from each of the following divisions:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Livebearers\/Rainbowfish\/Cichlids (Rift lake)\/Catfish<\/li><li>Anabantids\/Cyprinids\/Cichlids (New world)\/Killifish<\/li><li>Characins\/Invertebrates\/Cichlids (Old World)\/Other Fish<\/li><li>The participant is responsible for informing the BAP committee that they have completed the requirements for the Diversity Award from their submissions in the regular BAP program.<\/li><\/ul><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Classification Questions\/Concerns<\/h5><p>Aquarists are encouraged to submit any fish that they feel should be classified OR reclassified to the BAP Chair with a request. Please include the keyword \u201cACM BAP\u201d in the subject line. BAP Chair retains the final say in if requirements are met and points are awarded.<\/p><h5>\u00a0<\/h5><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Amendments\/Additions<\/h5><p>The BAP committee may make changes to these rules as they deem necessary, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. Changes will be published to members.https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/acm-bap-species-points-4.5_1jan2025.pdf<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ad8edb9 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ad8edb9\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b3786e2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"b3786e2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/QZF6SBaxojmGao8r8\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">BAP Submission Form<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6fa82ee elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"6fa82ee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSdOr3HAFhXT2xQ1eO8ya6_8N7dkwxRygAyk-GcumP8Vi-UDag\/viewform\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">join member<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-2445803172\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-2445803172\" data-tab-index=\"2\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 2;\" class=\" elementor-element elementor-element-a7114b0 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a7114b0\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c898926 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"c898926\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b85539c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b85539c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">ACM\u2019s Horticultural Award Program (HAP)\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-21aed34 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"21aed34\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>The purpose of the Horticultural Award Program (HAP) is to promote the keeping and propagation of aquatic plants, aid in the recognition of the species, encourage research, through the growth and propagation of different species, and recognize achievements of individuals through awards.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ae8f09b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ae8f09b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rules<\/h2><p>How to Earn Points: Points can only be earned by auctioning off the minimum amount of plant material at a monthly meeting or an ACM auction.<\/p><p>How to Identify your HAP Submissions to ACM Auctions: Plants submitted for auction must be clearly labeled with the aquarist\u2019s name, scientific name of the plant, cultivar or variety, and common name where applicable. Other information relevant to the plant such as light level and CO2 requirements should also be provided.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-file aligncenter has-link-color wp-elements-7cb373487cb36dab705834ba98f4457d\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"wp-block-file aligncenter has-link-color wp-elements-7cb373487cb36dab705834ba98f4457d\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\"><strong>HAP Point Listings:<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-file aligncenter has-link-color wp-elements-7cb373487cb36dab705834ba98f4457d\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/acm-hap-points-2.2_1jan2025-1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ACM HAP Points List<\/a><\/div><div data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\">\u00a0<\/div><p>Documentation needed with the HAP Submission: It is the responsibility of the aquarist to see that HAP points are<br \/>recorded by completing the online HAP Entry form BEFORE the auction in which the fry are submitted, or give the HAP chair a printed form AT THE TIME of the auction. It is the responsibility of the aquarist to either. Points will not be<br \/>awarded without either online documentation or printed documentation. It is also the responsibility of the aquarist to check the appropriate box on the auction website to indicate that the fish are a BAP lot.<\/p><p>HAP Checkers: Any person on the HAP committee may verify the species of a submitted plant and any flowerings or sexual propagation, with the HAP chair having final approval.<\/p><h2>\u00a0<\/h2><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Requirements for Propagation<\/h2><p>The propagation process must be completed in the manner described below:<\/p><ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>For floating plants, about 1\/2 cup (not including water) must be submitted. For tiny plants such as Wolffia arrhiza and other similar species, at least one heaping tablespoonful must be submitted. The initial volume of the plants must be doubled.<\/li><li>For bunch-type plants, the initial stem count shall be at least four stems, rooted or unrooted.<\/li><li>Reproduction by means of runners shall be recognized when one or more healthy plants are produced, which are capable of living independently from the parent plant. The parent plant must also be alive and healthy.<\/li><li>For mosses and similar plants, a patch at least 3\u201d x 3\u201d or similar size in area must be submitted.<\/li><li>Flowering, when properly verified, shall be awarded extra points equal to the value of the asexual propagation of the particular plant species; an additional 10 points will be awarded to verified flowering. A clear digital photo of the inflorescence donated to the ACM library or in person verification by Board member.<\/li><li>Sexual reproduction will be recognized for one or more plant reproducing by sexual means from the aquarists own stock. Sexual propagation will be awarded 2 times the value of asexual propagation. Seeds and reproduced plants must be from the member\u2019s parent plant(s) and not obtained from a supplier or nursery. The reproduction of those plants propagating from spores i.e. (ferns) will be considered a sexual reproduction and shall be awarded 2 times the point value of the asexual propagation of the particular plant species.<\/li><li>Re-growth of a seasonal plant does not count as propagation; it is simply classified as a new growth. (Examples are the Aponogeton sp.)<\/li><\/ol><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Earn Extra Points for Articles<\/h5><p>An additional 10 points is awarded upon submission of a 150 word article to the ACM newsletter within 30 days of the ACM auction. If the article to the ACM newsletter is submitted after the 30-day period, the aquarist must then resubmit the plants for auction.<\/p><h5>\u00a0<\/h5><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Criteria<\/h5><ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The aquarist must be a member in good standing of ACM in order to participate in the HAP.<\/li><li>No points will be awarded for hybrids, nor does ACM accept them as donations to any ACM auction. Plants should be free from algae or disease. The HAP Chair reserves the right to reject stunted, algae covered, or unhealthy plants. Specific cultivars, plants selectively bred for color, stem or leaf form, and transgenic plants are accepted.<\/li><li>Aquatic Plant Defined: An aquatic plant is one with a submerged or floating form, as a normal occurrence, at some time during the course of any one complete growing season.<\/li><\/ol><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lifetime Achievement Awards<\/h2><p>These awards are progressive and presented as achieved by the horticulturist.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Novice Gardener: 50 points Award shall be a framed certificate.<\/li><li>One Star Gardener: 100 points Award shall be a framed certificate.<\/li><li>Two Star Gardener: 200 points. Award shall be a framed certificate<\/li><li>Three Star Gardener: 400 points. Award shall be a framed certificate.<\/li><li>Senior Gardener: 600 points. Award shall be a framed certificate.<\/li><li>Master Gardener: 1000 points. Award shall be a plaque.<\/li><li>Grand Master Gardener: 1500 points. Award shall be a plaque and lifetime membership in the ACM.<\/li><li>Supreme Grand Master Gardener: 2000 points. Award shall be a plaque and a special gift chosen by the program chairperson and club president.<\/li><\/ul><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Specialty Achievement Awards<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Group Propagator: shall be awarded to any person who successfully propagates at least 6 species\/cultivars from a single aquatic plant family. Award shall be a framed certificate.<\/li><li>Advanced Group Propagator: shall be awarded to any person who successfully propagates at least 12 species\/cultivars from a single aquatic plant family and has written at least 1 article on the propagation of one (or more) of those species. Award shall be a plaque.<\/li><li>Expert Group Propagator: shall be awarded to any person who successfully propagates at least 18 species\/cultivars from a single aquatic plant family* and has written at least 2 articles on the propagation of two (or more) of those species. Award shall be a plaque.<\/li><li>Master Group Propagator: shall be awarded to any person who successfully propagates at least 24 species\/cultivars from a single aquatic plant family* and has written at least 2 articles on the propagation of three (or more) of those species. Award shall be a plaque.<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"has-small-font-size\">*Many families will not have enough species\/cultivars to reach the award levels noted. Members may petition the HAP committee to group 2 or more families together in order to reach these awards. Each family may only be used once in a grouping (i.e., if you choose to add Menyanthaceae family (i.e., Nyphoides aquatica) to water lilies in the family Nymphaeaceae (i.e., Nymphaea lotus and others), you may not combine any other member of the family Menyanthaceae with any other water lily family. You may continue to propagate other members of Menyanthaceae to reach higher awards for your combined Menyanthaceae\/ Nymphaeaceae group.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Achievement Award: Aquatic Horticulturist of the Year<\/h2><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prize: $50 and Award Certificate<\/h5><p>Award is presented to the horticulturist who earns the most points in the HAP program each calendar year.<\/p><h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Certificates will be awarded at the completion of the propagation requirements. Plaques or Gift Cards will be awarded at opportune times.<\/h6><p>Classification Questions\/Concerns: Members are encouraged to submit any plant that they feel should be reclassified to the HAP Chair.<\/p><p>The HAP Committee: The President shall appoint The HAP Chair, and the HAP Chair shall appoint the remaining members as necessary.<\/p><p>Function of the HAP Committee: To oversee and enforce all rules and regulations governing the HAP, awarding points to qualifying members, maintaining records and presenting awards. The HAP rules and regulations shall be reviewed and revised when necessary.<\/p><p>Amendments: The HAP committee may make changes to these rules, as they deem necessary, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. Changes will be published to ACM members.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ed0ee5f e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ed0ee5f\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9de2b9b elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"9de2b9b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/xyWpq3YW4okVJVjS9\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">HAP Submission Form <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c11a1f6 elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"c11a1f6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSdOr3HAFhXT2xQ1eO8ya6_8N7dkwxRygAyk-GcumP8Vi-UDag\/viewform\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">join member<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-2445803173\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-2445803173\" data-tab-index=\"3\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 3;\" class=\" elementor-element elementor-element-ec270bc e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ec270bc\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-28e28ae e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"28e28ae\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d5d0417 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d5d0417\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">CARES \u2013 Community Awareness, Research, Education &amp; Support<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cdb1326 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cdb1326\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone  wp-image-2856\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/cares-logo.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"167\" height=\"167\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"entry-content alignfull wp-block-post-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-post-content-is-layout-constrained\"><h6>\u00a0<\/h6><h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ACM is a CARES affiliate club!<\/h6><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">History of CARES<\/h2><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Founded in 2004, CARES stands for:<\/h5><p><strong>C<\/strong>onservation<\/p><p><strong>A<\/strong>wareness<\/p><p><strong>R<\/strong>ecognition and\u00a0<strong>R<\/strong>esponsibility<\/p><p><strong>E<\/strong>ncouragement and\u00a0<strong>E<\/strong>ducation<\/p><p><strong>S<\/strong>upport and\u00a0<strong>S<\/strong>haring<\/p><p>The purpose of the CARES Preservation Program is to create a network between hobbyists worldwide and the conservationists and scientists, all of whom are working to the same wonderful goal: preserving and caring for endangered fish and distributing them to fellow hobbyists.<\/p><p>For the most part, the massive organizations that might normally undertake such conservation work for larger animals (such as zoos) can\u2019t devote the individual time and tank space to these fish that they need to thrive. That is the type of care that hobbyists excel in. On the flip side, hobbyists can\u2019t make such a meaningful difference as individuals without the support of the scientific and conservation organizations.<\/p><p>How does that network happen? How can you, as an individual, connect to and become a part of that worldwide network? Through the CARES program, of course! CARES works through various aquarium clubs and organizations. The ACM is a part of the CARES program, and all ACM members can contribute their own fish colonies to the registry kept by CARES.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Four Major Goals<\/h2><h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">As an affiliate of cares, acm shares its four major goals.<\/h6><ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>First, by bringing awareness to the critical situation that fish are facing as a result of changing habitats, climate, and other causes. We believe that it is vital that we as responsible aquarists have a part in educating the public and raising that level of awareness.<\/li><li>Second, to encourage and offer support to hobbyists who are maintaining these at-risk species, and to recognize them for putting in the work to make a difference in our world.<\/li><li>Third, to grow our knowledge base as fish keepers through notes, articles, stories, and tank journals so that others may learn to care for these species. Many of them are very hardy, but as we all know, having the correct information can make all the difference in the success of a breeding project.<\/li><li>And finally, to ensure that future generations will be able to gaze in wonder at these beautiful fish living and thriving in aquariums. Only by acting sooner, rather than later, and by doing it together, instead of singly, can we make sure that our grandchildren and their children won\u2019t just be seeing recordings of fish that we had at one time, but had been lost.<\/li><\/ol><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Participate<\/h2><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I \u2013 Photo<\/h4><p>If you keep one of the species on the CARES list, found at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/caresforfish.org\/?page_id=40\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/caresforfish.org\/?page_id=40<\/a>, then the first step is to take a photo of the fish with a clear side-view. The photo has to be of your fish, and it doesn\u2019t have to be high quality, but you can\u2019t use internet photos,\u00a0<strong>it must be of the specific colony of fish you are registering<\/strong>.<\/p><p class=\"has-small-font-size\">File name format: \u201cspecies name_your name_CARES club_submission date\u201d<\/p><p class=\"has-small-font-size\">For example: \u201cXiphophorus milleri_Geoff Castellucci_ACM_2.21.24\u201d<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">II \u2013 Information You Will Need<\/h4><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Your name and email address<\/li><li>Species name<\/li><li>Where or from whom obtained<\/li><li>Collection location (if available)<\/li><li>When obtained (approximate date is fine)<\/li><li>Whether or not the colony has produced fry<\/li><li>Your CARES affiliate organization: ACM<\/li><li>Your postal address (optional)<\/li><li>Your telephone number (optional)<\/li><\/ul><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">III \u2013 Register Online<\/h4><p>Go to the CARES website, where you will enter that information into a message box and upload your photo. One species at a time, please!\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/caresforfish.org\/?page_id=879\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/caresforfish.org\/?page_id=879<\/a>.<\/p><p>You will receive an email notification from CARES when your registration email is received, and again when it is approved (or not, but let\u2019s think positively!). The ACM CARES Club Chair will be copied on email notifications.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">IV \u2013 ACM CARES Form<\/h4><p>Please fill out the below and give it to our CARES Chair \u2013\u00a0Valorie Lyons. Blank registration forms will also be available at meetings.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>CARES FISH PRESERVATION PROGRAM REGISTRATION CARD<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">SPECIES NAME<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">WHERE\/FROM WHOM OBTAINED<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">COLLECTION LOCATION (if known)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">WHEN OBTAINED (approximate date)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">CARES AFFILIATE ORGANIZATION<br \/><strong>Aquarium Club of Maryland<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>USE THIS INFORMATION TO REGISTER YOUR FISH AT CARESFORFISH.ORG<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ACM CARES Point System<\/h2><h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">an award will be given to the participant who has the highest point total in any given calendar year. the award will be given in january.<\/h6><figure class=\"wp-block-table alignwide\"><table class=\"has-background has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Category<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Points Awarded<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Description<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Species Registration<\/td><td>10 points<\/td><td>Each species registered for the first time with the CARES online program.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Article (at least 150 words)<\/td><td>10 points<\/td><td>Submission of an article to the MD Finquirer regarding the keeping and breeding of a CARES species kept and registered by the member.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Longevity<\/td><td>5 points<\/td><td>On each 1-year anniversary of a species\u2019 registration, the member will receive an additional 5 points toward that year\u2019s awards upon submission and approval by the BAP Chair of a photo\/video of the colony\u2019s current state.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u00a0<\/td><td>\u00a0<\/td><td>\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u00a0<\/td><td>\u00a0<\/td><td>\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">CARES Conservationist of the Year<\/h2><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prize: $50 and Award Certificate<\/h5><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Novice Conservationist: Requires 3 pts \u2013 Must submit at least 1 species on the CARES list to a Club auction.<\/li><li>Accomplished Conservationist: Requires 25 pts \u2013 Must register at least 1 species on the CARES list.<\/li><li>Advanced Conservationist: Requires 60 pts \u2013 Must register at least 3 CARES fish, must include at least 1 Longevity contribution and 1 article submission.<\/li><li>Expert Conservationist: Requires 150 pts \u2013 Must register at least 6 species on the CARES list, must include at least 3 Longevity contributions and 3 article submissions.<\/li><li>Master Conservationist: Requires 250 pts \u2013 Must register at least 10 species on the CARES list, must include 6 Longevity contributions and 6 article submissions.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c2adc7b e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"c2adc7b\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f0d62ff elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"f0d62ff\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/xyWpq3YW4okVJVjS9\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">CARES Species Registration<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-89f6037 elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"89f6037\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSdOr3HAFhXT2xQ1eO8ya6_8N7dkwxRygAyk-GcumP8Vi-UDag\/viewform\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">join member<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-2445803174\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-2445803174\" data-tab-index=\"4\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 4;\" class=\" elementor-element elementor-element-7fa2e5b e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"7fa2e5b\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8d2abb6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-accordion\" data-id=\"8d2abb6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;default_state&quot;:&quot;expanded&quot;,&quot;max_items_expended&quot;:&quot;one&quot;,&quot;n_accordion_animation_duration&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;ms&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:400,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-accordion\" aria-label=\"Accordion. Open links with Enter or Space, close with Escape, and navigate with Arrow Keys\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1480\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" open>\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"1\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1480\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> 2025 BAP <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1480\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9700442 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"9700442\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1480\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a18f277 e-grid e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a18f277\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1480\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a56d38a e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a56d38a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf6dcf4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"bf6dcf4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Breeder of the Year<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-029fbd3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"029fbd3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Aaron Smalls<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-744eb1a elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"744eb1a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dsc_0144_2-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-2979\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dsc_0144_2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dsc_0144_2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dsc_0144_2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dsc_0144_2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dsc_0144_2-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dsc_0144_2.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1481\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"2\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1481\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> 2025 HAP <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1481\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e565d7d e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e565d7d\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1481\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d022ae9 e-grid e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d022ae9\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1481\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f54a425 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"f54a425\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9d691af elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9d691af\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Gardener of the Year<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-39833d6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"39833d6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Mandy Goan<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bc9d26c elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"bc9d26c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dsc_0136_2-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-2980\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dsc_0136_2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dsc_0136_2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dsc_0136_2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dsc_0136_2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dsc_0136_2-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dsc_0136_2.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1482\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"3\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1482\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> 2025 CARES <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1482\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c82a191 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"c82a191\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1482\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-65d8850 e-grid e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"65d8850\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1482\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ecc0334 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ecc0334\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-61bd07b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"61bd07b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Conservationist of the Year<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-28711d2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"28711d2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Valorie Lyons<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0f85118 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"0f85118\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dsc_0129_2-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-2981\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dsc_0129_2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dsc_0129_2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dsc_0129_2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dsc_0129_2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dsc_0129_2-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dsc_0129_2.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-2445803175\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-2445803175\" data-tab-index=\"5\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 5;\" class=\" elementor-element elementor-element-ceb44f9 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ceb44f9\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bfbf1fb elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-accordion\" data-id=\"bfbf1fb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;default_state&quot;:&quot;expanded&quot;,&quot;max_items_expended&quot;:&quot;one&quot;,&quot;n_accordion_animation_duration&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;ms&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:400,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-accordion\" aria-label=\"Accordion. Open links with Enter or Space, close with Escape, and navigate with Arrow Keys\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-2010\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" open>\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"1\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-2010\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> 2026 BAP - Coming soon! <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-2010\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ab6f41d e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ab6f41d\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-2011\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"2\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-2011\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> 2026 HAP - Coming soon! <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-2011\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a1027f5 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a1027f5\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-2012\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"3\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-2012\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> 2026 CARES - Coming soon! <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-2012\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-588fbe8 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"588fbe8\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6735978 elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"6735978\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-36be771 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"36be771\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cdb3704 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"cdb3704\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/?p=2336\">ACM\u2019s Breeder Award Program (BAP)\n<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8a27620 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8a27620\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The purpose of the Breeder Award Program (BAP) is: to promote the keeping and breeding of aquarium animals, to recognize and motivate achievement in the hobby, to encourage research into the breeding of more difficult species, to share knowledge about different techniques, and to document accounts of breeding.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rules<\/h2><p>All fish are divided into twelve (12) classes:<\/p><ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Livebearers<\/li><li>Anabantoids<\/li><li>Cyprinids<\/li><li>Catfish<\/li><li>Characins<\/li><li>Cichlids (Old World)<\/li><li>Cichlids (Rift Lake)<\/li><li>Cichlids (New World)<\/li><li>Killifish<\/li><li>Rainbowfish<\/li><li>Invertebrates<\/li><li>Other fish<\/li><\/ol><p>Each class is subdivided into 4 point-groups:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>A = 5 points<\/li><li>B = 10 points<\/li><li>C = 15 points<\/li><li>D = 20 points<\/li><\/ul><p>To earn points the aquarist must spawn (in their own tanks) and then raise at least 4 fry to at least 30 days of age, and then auction off the 4 fry at a monthly meeting\/ACM auction. (See ACM BAP Chairperson if your fish normally has less than 4 fry.)<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\u201c30 days of age\u201d = # of days after hatching for egg layers<\/li><li>\u201c30 days of age\u201d = after normal release for mouthbrooders<\/li><\/ul><div class=\"wp-block-file aligncenter has-link-color wp-elements-a8f7b2c42186eda34bed2521f2a57dcc\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\"><object class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" style=\"margin-bottom: 1em; width: 645px; height: 600px;\" data=\"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACM-Bap-species-points-4.5_1JAN2025.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!state.hasPdfPreview\" aria-label=\"Embed of &lt;strong&gt;ACM Bap species points 4.5_1JAN2025&lt;\/strong&gt;.\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/object><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-file aligncenter has-link-color wp-elements-a8f7b2c42186eda34bed2521f2a57dcc\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\"><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-24f1c6c4-4048-4af9-bf65-13006ea4092f\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACM-Bap-species-points-4.5_1JAN2025.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>ACM Bap species points 4.5_1JAN2025<\/strong><\/a><\/div><p>Documentation is necessary to receive BAP points. It is the responsibility of the aquarist to either 1) complete the online BAP Entry form BEFORE the auction in which the fry are submitted, or 2) give the BAP Chairperson a printed form AT THE TIME of the auction. Points will not be awarded without either online or printed documentation. It is also the responsibility of the aquarist to check the appropriate box on the auction website to indicate that the fish are a BAP entry lot.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\u00a0<\/div><p>Identification is also necessary. Bags of fry submitted for auction must be clearly labeled with the following:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Aquarist\u2019s name<\/li><li>Scientific name of the fish<\/li><li>Common name (if applicable)<\/li><li>Other relevant information (first time spawned, second generation, etc.)<\/li><\/ul><p>An additional 10 points can be earned by submitting an article of at least 150 words to the MD Finquirer for publication in the monthly club newsletter. This is optional for Groups A, B, and C. Articles should be submitted to:\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:HungryChessieJr@gmail.com\">HungryChessieJr@gmail.com<\/a>. Articles should center around the aquarist\u2019s experience with the fish, both spawning and raising the fry.<\/p><p>Group D has an additional requirement. Within 30 days of the auction, an article regarding the spawning procedure must be submitted to the Newsletter Editor. Without this, the 20 points WILL NOT be awarded. (The additional 5 points for article submission will still be added!) Articles for second, third, or fourth generation Group D spawns are not required.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Achievement Awards<\/h2><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Breeder of the Year Prize: $50 and an Award Certificate<\/h4><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Novice Breeder: 25 points \u2013 earned by breeding fish from any class.<\/li><li>Hobbyist Breeder: 50 points \u2013 earned by breeding fish from\u00a0at least\u00a02 classes.<\/li><li>Accomplished Breeder: 100 points \u2013 plus 1 completed class.<\/li><li>Advanced Breeder: 200 points \u2013 plus 2 completed classes.<\/li><li>Expert Breeder: 300 points \u2013 plus 4 completed classes and a 2nd generation spawn.<\/li><li>Master Breeder: 600 points \u2013 plus 10 completed classes and\u00a0at least\u00a0two 2nd generation spawns from any class.<\/li><li>Grand Master Breeder: \u201cMaster Breeder\u201d status \u2013 plus\u00a0at least\u00a05 species spawned from target groups, completion of all classes, and\u00a0at least\u00a04 generation spawns from any class.<\/li><\/ul><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Class Awards<\/h2><p>Each submission will automatically be applied to Class Awards earned by the aquarist, and running totals will be kept by the BAP chair and published in the monthly newsletter.<\/p><p>The number of species needed to complete a Class Award are listed below. A Class Award may be earned more than once \u2013 members will received a certificate for each Class Award they have completed.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Class 1: Livebearers \u2013 6 species<\/li><li>Class 2: Anabantoids \u2013 5 species<\/li><li>Class 3: Cyprinids \u2013 6 species<\/li><li>Class 4: Catfish \u2013 5 species<\/li><li>Class 5: Characins \u2013 5 species<\/li><li>Class 6: Cichlids (Old World) \u2013 6 species<\/li><li>Class 7: Cichlids (Rift Lake) \u2013 6 species<\/li><li>Class 8: Cichlids (New World) \u2013 6 species<\/li><li>Class 9: Killifish \u2013 6 species<\/li><li>Class 10: Rainbowfish \u2013 5 species<\/li><li>Class 11: Invertebrates \u2013 5 species<\/li><li>Class 12: Other fish \u2013 3 species<\/li><\/ul><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Criteria<\/h2><ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Membership: The aquarist must be a member in good standing of ACM in order to participate in the BAP.<\/li><li>Second generation spawns, in any class, will be awarded an additional 5 points. An aquarist may then submit third generation spawns, and fourth generation spawns. Each of the generation spawns must utilize fish that have been raised from the previous spawn.<\/li><li>Hybrids are ineligible. No points will be awarded for hybrids. No deformed fish will be accepted for points or auction. Albinos, fish selectively bred for color, body form or finnage, and transgenic fish are accepted.<\/li><li>CARES Fish earn 5 additional points. Fish that are on the CARES Species List at the time of the auction will be awarded the normal class\/group points plus 5 additional points at the successful completion of the breeding requirements.<\/li><li>Points are only awarded once to each breeder for each species, with the following exceptions:<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Uniquely maintained color varieties.<\/li><li>Uniquely maintained shape varieties.<\/li><li>Uniquely maintained wild populations.<\/li><li>Second generation points.<\/li><li>Third generation points.<\/li><li>Fourth generation points \u2013 In the cases of groups A, B, and C, points will be awarded for a maximum of 3 varieties per species per calendar year.<\/li><li>Wild populations must have collection information included with the fry.<\/li><li>Second generation spawns in group D are not considered to be two group D fish.<\/li><li>You need to spawn completely different species of fish in order to be eligible for the advance awards.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ol><h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Certificates will be awarded at the completion of the breeding requirements. Plaques or Gift Cards will be awarded at opportune times.<\/h6><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Recognition<\/h2><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Most Difficult Fish<\/h5><p>This award will be presented to the aquarist who has bred the most difficult BAP fish during the past year. Nominations will be made at the November meeting. The recipient will be chosen by ballot vote by a majority vote of the members present at this meeting.<\/p><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Breeder of the Year<\/h5><p>An award will be given to the BAP participant who has the highest BAP point total in any given calendar year. The award will be given in January. A participant may be awarded both the Rookie-of-the-Year and the Breeder-of-the-Year awards in the same year.<\/p><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rookie of the Year<\/h5><p>An award will be given to the new BAP participant who successfully spawns and BAPs the most fish in the first 12 months starting with his\/her first BAP entry. [For example: The eligibility of a rookie participant whose first BAP occurs in January will end in December. The eligibility of a rookie participant whose first BAP occurs in February will end in January of the following year. Etc.] The winner of this award will be determined at the end of each calendar year. It will consider those participants whose eligibility ends during the previous year. However, if a \u2018rookie\u2019 who has yet to complete his\/her first year has already accrued the more points, that participant will be eligible to win<br \/>the Rookie award. (A person who wins the Rookie award early is not eligible for it the following year.)<\/p><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tie-Breakers<\/h5><p>For either Rookie-of-the-Year or Breeder-of-the-Year: A tie will result in co-winners of the award. But if the tying point level is less than 100 points, the BAP Chair may select a single winner if one of them has a higher points-per-submission.<\/p><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Specialization Award<\/h5><p>This award offers a breeder the chance to specialize in the same or similar species that differ by location or color variety, such as angelfishes or guppies. It also allows one to specialize in a related group of species. To begin, an aquarist must declare a logical grouping of fish to specialize in \u2013 the BAP Chair needs to approve the declared specialization. Then, in order to earn the award, a bag of at least 4 fry must be submitted to an ACM auction from at least 6 different varieties or species from that logical grouping.<\/p><p>Examples of Logical Groupings<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Varieties based upon color or location, such as angelfishes, guppies, or a species of shrimp.<\/li><li>A genus of fish such as Hyphessobrycon, Cichlasoma, Poecilia, etc.<\/li><li>A family of fish such as barbs, tetras, cichlids. However, for a larger and relatively easier group, we would encourage the specialization be more specific such as dwarf cichlids, lake cichlids, or earth eaters.<\/li><li>Species from a particular river system.<\/li><\/ul><h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Qualifications for the Specialization Award<\/h6><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The breeder should have first submitted a species through regular BAP before submitting it as part of a specialization project.<\/li><li>Specialization fry may be from the same spawn as those turned in for BAP points but must be in a separate bag (two bags with a minimum of 4 fry in each will cover both awards).<\/li><li>There is no time limit on the attempt.<\/li><\/ul><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diversification Award<\/h5><p>An award will be given for diversity in breeding. To receive this award, the participant must have received BAP points for at least one fish from each of the following divisions:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Livebearers\/Rainbowfish\/Cichlids (Rift lake)\/Catfish<\/li><li>Anabantids\/Cyprinids\/Cichlids (New world)\/Killifish<\/li><li>Characins\/Invertebrates\/Cichlids (Old World)\/Other Fish<\/li><li>The participant is responsible for informing the BAP committee that they have completed the requirements for the Diversity Award from their submissions in the regular BAP program.<\/li><\/ul><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Classification Questions\/Concerns<\/h5><p>Aquarists are encouraged to submit any fish that they feel should be classified OR reclassified to the BAP Chair with a request. Please include the keyword \u201cACM BAP\u201d in the subject line. BAP Chair retains the final say in if requirements are met and points are awarded.<\/p><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Amendments\/Additions<\/h5><p>The BAP committee may make changes to these rules as they deem necessary, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. Changes will be published to members.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5a12c6d e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5a12c6d\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ca1469e elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"ca1469e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/acm-bap-species-points-4.5_1jan2025.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">BAP Application Form (PDF)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5a3e1c2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"5a3e1c2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSdOr3HAFhXT2xQ1eO8ya6_8N7dkwxRygAyk-GcumP8Vi-UDag\/viewform\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">join member<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7f3ca06 elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7f3ca06\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dbb5b7a e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"dbb5b7a\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-866a384 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"866a384\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">ACM\u2019s Horticultural Award Program (HAP)\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d5292d1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d5292d1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The purpose of the Horticultural Award Program (HAP) is to promote the keeping and propagation of aquatic plants, aid in the recognition of the species, encourage research, through the growth and propagation of different species, and recognize achievements of individuals through awards.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rules<\/h2><p>How to Earn Points: Points can only be earned by auctioning off the minimum amount of plant material at a monthly meeting or an ACM auction.<\/p><p>How to Identify your HAP Submissions to ACM Auctions: Plants submitted for auction must be clearly labeled with the aquarist\u2019s name, scientific name of the plant, cultivar or variety, and common name where applicable. Other information relevant to the plant such as light level and CO2 requirements should also be provided.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-file aligncenter has-link-color wp-elements-7cb373487cb36dab705834ba98f4457d\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\"><object class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" style=\"margin-bottom: 1em; width: 645px; height: 600px;\" data=\"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACM-HAP-points-2.2_1JAN2025.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!state.hasPdfPreview\" aria-label=\"Embed of &lt;strong&gt;ACM HAP points 2.2_1JAN2025&lt;\/strong&gt;.\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/object><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-file aligncenter has-link-color wp-elements-7cb373487cb36dab705834ba98f4457d\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\"><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-29f4ac03-aa6d-4df5-b111-a6bfa361a505\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ACM-HAP-points-2.2_1JAN2025.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>ACM HAP points 2.2_1JAN2025<\/strong><\/a><\/div><p>Documentation needed with the HAP Submission: It is the responsibility of the aquarist to see that HAP points are<br \/>recorded by completing the online HAP Entry form BEFORE the auction in which the fry are submitted, or give the HAP chair a printed form AT THE TIME of the auction. It is the responsibility of the aquarist to either. Points will not be<br \/>awarded without either online documentation or printed documentation. It is also the responsibility of the aquarist to check the appropriate box on the auction website to indicate that the fish are a BAP lot.<\/p><p>HAP Checkers: Any person on the HAP committee may verify the species of a submitted plant and any flowerings or sexual propagation, with the HAP chair having final approval.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Requirements for Propagation<\/h2><p>The propagation process must be completed in the manner described below:<\/p><ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>For floating plants, about 1\/2 cup (not including water) must be submitted. For tiny plants such as Wolffia arrhiza and other similar species, at least one heaping tablespoonful must be submitted. The initial volume of the plants must be doubled.<\/li><li>For bunch-type plants, the initial stem count shall be at least four stems, rooted or unrooted.<\/li><li>Reproduction by means of runners shall be recognized when one or more healthy plants are produced, which are capable of living independently from the parent plant. The parent plant must also be alive and healthy.<\/li><li>For mosses and similar plants, a patch at least 3\u201d x 3\u201d or similar size in area must be submitted.<\/li><li>Flowering, when properly verified, shall be awarded extra points equal to the value of the asexual propagation of the particular plant species; an additional 10 points will be awarded to verified flowering. A clear digital photo of the inflorescence donated to the ACM library or in person verification by Board member.<\/li><li>Sexual reproduction will be recognized for one or more plant reproducing by sexual means from the aquarists own stock. Sexual propagation will be awarded 2 times the value of asexual propagation. Seeds and reproduced plants must be from the member\u2019s parent plant(s) and not obtained from a supplier or nursery. The reproduction of those plants propagating from spores i.e. (ferns) will be considered a sexual reproduction and shall be awarded 2 times the point value of the asexual propagation of the particular plant species.<\/li><li>Re-growth of a seasonal plant does not count as propagation; it is simply classified as a new growth. (Examples are the Aponogeton sp.)<\/li><\/ol><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Earn Extra Points for Articles<\/h5><p>An additional 10 points is awarded upon submission of a 150 word article to the ACM newsletter within 30 days of the ACM auction. If the article to the ACM newsletter is submitted after the 30-day period, the aquarist must then resubmit the plants for auction.<\/p><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Criteria<\/h5><ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The aquarist must be a member in good standing of ACM in order to participate in the HAP.<\/li><li>No points will be awarded for hybrids, nor does ACM accept them as donations to any ACM auction. Plants should be free from algae or disease. The HAP Chair reserves the right to reject stunted, algae covered, or unhealthy plants. Specific cultivars, plants selectively bred for color, stem or leaf form, and transgenic plants are accepted.<\/li><li>Aquatic Plant Defined: An aquatic plant is one with a submerged or floating form, as a normal occurrence, at some time during the course of any one complete growing season.<\/li><\/ol><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lifetime Achievement Awards<\/h2><p>These awards are progressive and presented as achieved by the horticulturist.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Novice Gardener: 50 points Award shall be a framed certificate.<\/li><li>One Star Gardener: 100 points Award shall be a framed certificate.<\/li><li>Two Star Gardener: 200 points. Award shall be a framed certificate<\/li><li>Three Star Gardener: 400 points. Award shall be a framed certificate.<\/li><li>Senior Gardener: 600 points. Award shall be a framed certificate.<\/li><li>Master Gardener: 1000 points. Award shall be a plaque.<\/li><li>Grand Master Gardener: 1500 points. Award shall be a plaque and lifetime membership in the ACM.<\/li><li>Supreme Grand Master Gardener: 2000 points. Award shall be a plaque and a special gift chosen by the program chairperson and club president.<\/li><\/ul><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Specialty Achievement Awards<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Group Propagator: shall be awarded to any person who successfully propagates at least 6 species\/cultivars from a single aquatic plant family. Award shall be a framed certificate.<\/li><li>Advanced Group Propagator: shall be awarded to any person who successfully propagates at least 12 species\/cultivars from a single aquatic plant family and has written at least 1 article on the propagation of one (or more) of those species. Award shall be a plaque.<\/li><li>Expert Group Propagator: shall be awarded to any person who successfully propagates at least 18 species\/cultivars from a single aquatic plant family* and has written at least 2 articles on the propagation of two (or more) of those species. Award shall be a plaque.<\/li><li>Master Group Propagator: shall be awarded to any person who successfully propagates at least 24 species\/cultivars from a single aquatic plant family* and has written at least 2 articles on the propagation of three (or more) of those species. Award shall be a plaque.<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"has-small-font-size\">*Many families will not have enough species\/cultivars to reach the award levels noted. Members may petition the HAP committee to group 2 or more families together in order to reach these awards. Each family may only be used once in a grouping (i.e., if you choose to add Menyanthaceae family (i.e., Nyphoides aquatica) to water lilies in the family Nymphaeaceae (i.e., Nymphaea lotus and others), you may not combine any other member of the family Menyanthaceae with any other water lily family. You may continue to propagate other members of Menyanthaceae to reach higher awards for your combined Menyanthaceae\/ Nymphaeaceae group.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Achievement Award: Aquatic Horticulturist of the Year<\/h2><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prize: $50 and Award Certificate<\/h5><p>Award is presented to the horticulturist who earns the most points in the HAP program each calendar year.<\/p><h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Certificates will be awarded at the completion of the propagation requirements. Plaques or Gift Cards will be awarded at opportune times.<\/h6><p>Classification Questions\/Concerns: Members are encouraged to submit any plant that they feel should be reclassified to the HAP Chair.<\/p><p>The HAP Committee: The President shall appoint The HAP Chair, and the HAP Chair shall appoint the remaining members as necessary.<\/p><p>Function of the HAP Committee: To oversee and enforce all rules and regulations governing the HAP, awarding points to qualifying members, maintaining records and presenting awards. The HAP rules and regulations shall be reviewed and revised when necessary.<\/p><p>Amendments: The HAP committee may make changes to these rules, as they deem necessary, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. Changes will be published to ACM members.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-780531c e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"780531c\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-53d59d5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"53d59d5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/acm-hap-points-2.2_1jan2025-1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">HAP Participation Form (PDF)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f911c04 elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"f911c04\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSdOr3HAFhXT2xQ1eO8ya6_8N7dkwxRygAyk-GcumP8Vi-UDag\/viewform\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">join member<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a63750f elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"a63750f\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1ff9ce4 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1ff9ce4\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3219205 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3219205\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">CARES \u2013 Community Awareness, Research, Education &amp; Support<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6966b76 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6966b76\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CARES-feature-image.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 380px) 100vw, 380px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CARES-feature-image.jpg 380w, https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/CARES-feature-image-300x105.jpg 300w\" alt=\"\" width=\"380\" height=\"133\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"entry-content alignfull wp-block-post-content has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-post-content-is-layout-constrained\"><h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ACM is a CARES affiliate club!<\/h6><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">History of CARES<\/h2><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Founded in 2004, CARES stands for:<\/h5><p><strong>C<\/strong>onservation<\/p><p><strong>A<\/strong>wareness<\/p><p><strong>R<\/strong>ecognition and\u00a0<strong>R<\/strong>esponsibility<\/p><p><strong>E<\/strong>ncouragement and\u00a0<strong>E<\/strong>ducation<\/p><p><strong>S<\/strong>upport and\u00a0<strong>S<\/strong>haring<\/p><p>The purpose of the CARES Preservation Program is to create a network between hobbyists worldwide and the conservationists and scientists, all of whom are working to the same wonderful goal: preserving and caring for endangered fish and distributing them to fellow hobbyists.<\/p><p>For the most part, the massive organizations that might normally undertake such conservation work for larger animals (such as zoos) can\u2019t devote the individual time and tank space to these fish that they need to thrive. That is the type of care that hobbyists excel in. On the flip side, hobbyists can\u2019t make such a meaningful difference as individuals without the support of the scientific and conservation organizations.<\/p><p>How does that network happen? How can you, as an individual, connect to and become a part of that worldwide network? Through the CARES program, of course! CARES works through various aquarium clubs and organizations. The ACM is a part of the CARES program, and all ACM members can contribute their own fish colonies to the registry kept by CARES.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Four Major Goals<\/h2><h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">As an affiliate of cares, acm shares its four major goals.<\/h6><ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>First, by bringing awareness to the critical situation that fish are facing as a result of changing habitats, climate, and other causes. We believe that it is vital that we as responsible aquarists have a part in educating the public and raising that level of awareness.<\/li><li>Second, to encourage and offer support to hobbyists who are maintaining these at-risk species, and to recognize them for putting in the work to make a difference in our world.<\/li><li>Third, to grow our knowledge base as fish keepers through notes, articles, stories, and tank journals so that others may learn to care for these species. Many of them are very hardy, but as we all know, having the correct information can make all the difference in the success of a breeding project.<\/li><li>And finally, to ensure that future generations will be able to gaze in wonder at these beautiful fish living and thriving in aquariums. Only by acting sooner, rather than later, and by doing it together, instead of singly, can we make sure that our grandchildren and their children won\u2019t just be seeing recordings of fish that we had at one time, but had been lost.<\/li><\/ol><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Participate<\/h2><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I \u2013 Photo<\/h4><p>If you keep one of the species on the CARES list, found at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/caresforfish.org\/?page_id=40\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/caresforfish.org\/?page_id=40<\/a>, then the first step is to take a photo of the fish with a clear side-view. The photo has to be of your fish, and it doesn\u2019t have to be high quality, but you can\u2019t use internet photos,\u00a0<strong>it must be of the specific colony of fish you are registering<\/strong>.<\/p><p class=\"has-small-font-size\">File name format: \u201cspecies name_your name_CARES club_submission date\u201d<\/p><p class=\"has-small-font-size\">For example: \u201cXiphophorus milleri_Geoff Castellucci_ACM_2.21.24\u201d<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">II \u2013 Information You Will Need<\/h4><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Your name and email address<\/li><li>Species name<\/li><li>Where or from whom obtained<\/li><li>Collection location (if available)<\/li><li>When obtained (approximate date is fine)<\/li><li>Whether or not the colony has produced fry<\/li><li>Your CARES affiliate organization: ACM<\/li><li>Your postal address (optional)<\/li><li>Your telephone number (optional)<\/li><\/ul><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">III \u2013 Register Online<\/h4><p>Go to the CARES website, where you will enter that information into a message box and upload your photo. One species at a time, please!\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/caresforfish.org\/?page_id=879\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/caresforfish.org\/?page_id=879<\/a>.<\/p><p>You will receive an email notification from CARES when your registration email is received, and again when it is approved (or not, but let\u2019s think positively!). The ACM CARES Club Chair will be copied on email notifications.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">IV \u2013 ACM CARES Form<\/h4><p>Please fill out the below and give it to our CARES Chair \u2013\u00a0Valorie Lyons. Blank registration forms will also be available at meetings.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>CARES FISH PRESERVATION PROGRAM REGISTRATION CARD<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">SPECIES NAME<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">WHERE\/FROM WHOM OBTAINED<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">COLLECTION LOCATION (if known)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">WHEN OBTAINED (approximate date)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">CARES AFFILIATE ORGANIZATION<br \/><strong>Aquarium Club of Maryland<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>USE THIS INFORMATION TO REGISTER YOUR FISH AT CARESFORFISH.ORG<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ACM CARES Point System<\/h2><h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">an award will be given to the participant who has the highest point total in any given calendar year. the award will be given in january.<\/h6><figure class=\"wp-block-table alignwide\"><table class=\"has-background has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Category<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Points Awarded<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Description<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Species Registration<\/td><td>10 points<\/td><td>Each species registered for the first time with the CARES online program.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Article (at least 150 words)<\/td><td>10 points<\/td><td>Submission of an article to the MD Finquirer regarding the keeping and breeding of a CARES species kept and registered by the member.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Longevity<\/td><td>5 points<\/td><td>On each 1-year anniversary of a species\u2019 registration, the member will receive an additional 5 points toward that year\u2019s awards upon submission and approval by the BAP Chair of a photo\/video of the colony\u2019s current state.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Auction\/Donation (registered)<\/td><td>5 points<\/td><td>Submission or donation of a group of at least 4 juveniles of the member\u2019s registered CARES species to the Club for auction.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Auction\/Donation (unregistered)<\/td><td>3 points<\/td><td>Submission or donation of a group of at least 4 juveniles of a fish that is on the CARES Priority List to the Club for auction.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">CARES Conservationist of the Year<\/h2><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prize: $50 and Award Certificate<\/h5><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Novice Conservationist: Requires 3 pts \u2013 Must submit at least 1 species on the CARES list to a Club auction.<\/li><li>Accomplished Conservationist: Requires 25 pts \u2013 Must register at least 1 species on the CARES list.<\/li><li>Advanced Conservationist: Requires 60 pts \u2013 Must register at least 3 CARES fish, must include at least 1 Longevity contribution and 1 article submission.<\/li><li>Expert Conservationist: Requires 150 pts \u2013 Must register at least 6 species on the CARES list, must include at least 3 Longevity contributions and 3 article submissions.<\/li><li>Master Conservationist: Requires 250 pts \u2013 Must register at least 10 species on the CARES list, must include 6 Longevity contributions and 6 article submissions.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-faf9754 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"faf9754\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d5b71e3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"d5b71e3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bap_form-1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">CARES Project Proposal Form (PDF)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4d4fe93 elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"4d4fe93\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSdOr3HAFhXT2xQ1eO8ya6_8N7dkwxRygAyk-GcumP8Vi-UDag\/viewform\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">join member<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Member Programs Explore our member-exclusive initiatives: BAP, HAP, and CARES. Learn about eligibility, requirements, and access program forms. BAP HAP CARES Winners by Year Standings by Year ACM\u2019s Breeder Award Program (BAP) The purpose of the Breeder Award Program (BAP) is: to promote the keeping and breeding of aquarium animals, to recognize and motivate achievement in the hobby, to encourage research into the breeding of more difficult species, to share knowledge about different techniques, and to document accounts of breeding. Rules All fish are divided into twelve (12) classes: Livebearers Anabantoids Cyprinids Catfish Characins Cichlids (Old World) Cichlids (Rift Lake) Cichlids (New World) Killifish Rainbowfish Invertebrates Other fish Each class is subdivided into 4 point-groups: A = 5 points B = 10 points C = 15 points D = 20 points To earn points the aquarist must spawn (in their own tanks) and then raise at least 4 fry to at least 30 days of age, and then auction off the 4 fry at a monthly meeting\/ACM auction. (See ACM BAP Chairperson if your fish normally has less than 4 fry.) \u201c30 days of age\u201d = # of days after hatching for egg layers \u201c30 days of age\u201d = after normal release for mouthbrooders BAP Point Listings: ACM BAP Species Points List\u00a0 Documentation is necessary to receive BAP points. It is the responsibility of the aquarist to either 1) complete the online BAP Entry form BEFORE the auction in which the fry are submitted, or 2) give the BAP Chairperson a printed form AT THE TIME of the auction. Points will not be awarded without either online or printed documentation. It is also the responsibility of the aquarist to check the appropriate box on the auction website to indicate that the fish are a BAP entry lot. \u00a0 Identification is also necessary. Bags of fry submitted for auction must be clearly labeled with the following: Aquarist\u2019s name Scientific name of the fish Common name (if applicable) Other relevant information (first time spawned, second generation, etc.) An additional 10 points can be earned by submitting an article of at least 150 words to the MD Finquirer for publication in the monthly club newsletter. This is optional for Groups A, B, and C. Articles should be submitted to:\u00a0HungryChessieJr@gmail.com. Articles should center around the aquarist\u2019s experience with the fish, both spawning and raising the fry. Group D has an additional requirement. Within 30 days of the auction, an article regarding the spawning procedure must be submitted to the Newsletter Editor. Without this, the 20 points WILL NOT be awarded. (The additional 5 points for article submission will still be added!) Articles for second, third, or fourth generation Group D spawns are not required. \u00a0 Achievement Awards Breeder of the Year Prize: $50 and an Award Certificate Novice Breeder: 25 points \u2013 earned by breeding fish from any class. Hobbyist Breeder: 50 points \u2013 earned by breeding fish from\u00a0at least\u00a02 classes. Accomplished Breeder: 100 points \u2013 plus 1 completed class. Advanced Breeder: 200 points \u2013 plus 2 completed classes. Expert Breeder: 300 points \u2013 plus 4 completed classes and a 2nd generation spawn. Master Breeder: 600 points \u2013 plus 10 completed classes and\u00a0at least\u00a0two 2nd generation spawns from any class. Grand Master Breeder: \u201cMaster Breeder\u201d status \u2013 plus\u00a0at least\u00a05 species spawned from target groups, completion of all classes, and\u00a0at least\u00a04 generation spawns from any class. Class Awards Each submission will automatically be applied to Class Awards earned by the aquarist, and running totals will be kept by the BAP chair and published in the monthly newsletter. The number of species needed to complete a Class Award are listed below. A Class Award may be earned more than once \u2013 members will received a certificate for each Class Award they have completed. Class 1: Livebearers \u2013 6 species Class 2: Anabantoids \u2013 5 species Class 3: Cyprinids \u2013 6 species Class 4: Catfish \u2013 5 species Class 5: Characins \u2013 5 species Class 6: Cichlids (Old World) \u2013 6 species Class 7: Cichlids (Rift Lake) \u2013 6 species Class 8: Cichlids (New World) \u2013 6 species Class 9: Killifish \u2013 6 species Class 10: Rainbowfish \u2013 5 species Class 11: Invertebrates \u2013 5 species Class 12: Other fish \u2013 3 species Additional Criteria Membership: The aquarist must be a member in good standing of ACM in order to participate in the BAP. Second generation spawns, in any class, will be awarded an additional 5 points. An aquarist may then submit third generation spawns, and fourth generation spawns. Each of the generation spawns must utilize fish that have been raised from the previous spawn. Hybrids are ineligible. No points will be awarded for hybrids. No deformed fish will be accepted for points or auction. Albinos, fish selectively bred for color, body form or finnage, and transgenic fish are accepted. CARES Fish earn 5 additional points. Fish that are on the CARES Species List at the time of the auction will be awarded the normal class\/group points plus 5 additional points at the successful completion of the breeding requirements. Points are only awarded once to each breeder for each species, with the following exceptions: Uniquely maintained color varieties. Uniquely maintained shape varieties. Uniquely maintained wild populations. Second generation points. Third generation points. Fourth generation points \u2013 In the cases of groups A, B, and C, points will be awarded for a maximum of 3 varieties per species per calendar year. Wild populations must have collection information included with the fry. Second generation spawns in group D are not considered to be two group D fish. You need to spawn completely different species of fish in order to be eligible for the advance awards. Certificates will be awarded at the completion of the breeding requirements. Plaques or Gift Cards will be awarded at opportune times. Additional Recognition Most Difficult Fish This award will be presented to the aquarist who has bred the most difficult BAP fish during the past year. Nominations will be made at the November<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"full-width-container","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-34","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/33"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=34"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2984,"href":"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34\/revisions\/2984"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aquariumclubofmaryland.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=34"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}