About Our Podcast
Joseph Arlotto
Joe is an aquatics engineer (BSME) specializing in Life Support System (LSS) operations and design implementation. He is an LSS operator/manager with decades of hands-on experience at multiple facilities including the Brookfield Zoo, the Albuquerque Aquarium and the San Diego Zoo. After 20 years of operations, Joe moved to the design side as an LSS engineer, managing projects worldwide. Most recently, Joe spent 3 years on site at Sea World Abu Dhabi, managing the installation, testing, startup and commissioning of over 50 LSS, including seawater intake, makeup and discharge systems, water features, wetlands, waterfalls and holding/quarantine systems.
His consulting company, Aquatic Operations Group, has teamed with owners, design engineers and contractors, providing guidance for pipe installation, LSS drawing and specification implementation, equipment installation, submittal and RFI review, start-up, commissioning, operator training and O&M manuals.
Joe is a founding member of AALSO (Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators) and was directly responsible for creating the original LSS Operator Certification Program. He lives in San Diego.
Dr. Jeff Keaffaber
Dr. Jeffrey (Jeff) Keaffaber has served as SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment’s Director of Environmental and Habitat Design since 2016. In this role, Dr. Keaffaber leads the design of dynamic environmental systems needed to support the Company’s animal habitats and their life support systems. These include the air, water, and lighting systems that extend to habitat and behavioral enrichment.
Dr. Keaffaber works closely with the corporate and park zoological teams to establish goals and opportunities that will continue SeaWorld’s legacy of designing state of the art facilities for the animals in its care.
Starting his professional career in 1989 with the Walt Disney Company, Dr. Keaffaber has over 35 years of combined experience as a corporate scientist, University of Florida professor, restaurateur, and consultant. Dr. Keaffaber received his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Florida in 1989 where he continues to be active as an affiliate professor.
Recent Episodes
Featured award-winning podcasts
Ep 18 - Evolution of Aquarium LSS: Chemistry, Microbiology & Ozone Mastery with David LaBonne
Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber dive deep into the world of aquatic life support systems (LSS) with special guest David LaBonne, a pioneering microbiologist and former Director of Facilities at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. David shares his remarkable journey from microbiology and immunodi...
Ep 17 - Facility Spotlight: The Maritime Aquarium
We're excited introduce our new Facility Spotlight series! Hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber go in-depth on the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut, with a behind-the-scenes conversation featuring Erik Holmberg, Associate Director of Life Support. Erik shares his hands-on journey from ...
Ep 16 - General Contractors: The Realities of Life Support System Construction
In this episode, hosts Joe and Dr. Jeff sit down with Holly and Beau Dempsey, the dynamic duo behind Longhorn Organics, a specialty LSS construction firm transforming how aquariums and aquatic exhibits are built. 🎙️ We dive deep into what sets LSS construction apart from traditional mechanical con...
Reviews
What the people say about us
Back to the beginning
Wow Joe that was great hearing you and John linn Brought back a lot of good memories
ALSS |Manager SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
I am proud and humbled to have worked with these three men and look forward to hearing more episodes in the future. A continued focus on researching emerging technologies or best practices could lead to further enhancements in operational efficiency and water quality management.
Go with the Flow
Our community is what drives us forward. Stay connected with us for the latest episodes and interviews.
Subscribe Now