Integrated Culture Module Supports Historic Mazama Newt Conservation Milestone at Oregon Zoo

Creating the Right Environment for Conservation

Successful aquatic research and wildlife management programs depend on the ability to maintain stable, repeatable, and carefully controlled environmental conditions. To support the Oregon Zoo’s newt conservation program, Integrated-Aqua recently supplied an Integrated Culture Module (ICM)—a modular aquatic life support platform developed specifically for research, animal holding, and controlled culture applications.

ICM systems are designed to provide researchers and animal care professionals with a flexible, space-efficient platform for maintaining sensitive aquatic species. Their rack-mounted configuration allows multiple culture tanks to be supported by an integrated recirculating life support system, helping facilities maintain consistent water quality while simplifying daily operation and maintenance.

For programs involving rare or high-value animals, this combination of reliability, control, and accessibility is especially important. Stable environmental conditions help animal care teams focus on husbandry, observation, breeding, and research rather than managing unnecessary system complexity.

Purpose-Built for Aquatic Research and Wildlife Management

Integrated-Aqua’s ICM platform combines the flexibility required by research programs with the reliability expected from professional aquatic life support equipment.

Depending on project requirements, ICM systems can incorporate:

• Configurable tank and rack layouts to accommodate different species, life stages, and experimental designs
• Multi-stage recirculating life support for consistent water quality and dependable operation
• BioE™ moving-bed biofiltration designed to support stable biological treatment
• SITA UV sterilization for enhanced biosecurity and pathogen management
• Precision pumping and flow control tailored to individual system requirements
• Temperature-control options for species requiring tightly managed thermal conditions
• Environmental control and lighting options for specialized research and husbandry protocols
• Freshwater and saltwater compatibility using materials selected for long-term aquatic service
• Modular, space-efficient construction that helps maximize valuable laboratory space

This flexibility allows ICM systems to serve a wide range of applications—from university research and teaching laboratories to hatcheries, conservation programs, quarantine facilities, and specialized wildlife management initiatives.

Designed for Research. Built for Life.

For Integrated-Aqua, the Oregon Zoo project demonstrates the important role that well-designed aquatic infrastructure can play in conservation science.

The historic hatching of Mazama newts is first and foremost a testament to the expertise, persistence, and dedication of the Oregon Zoo animal care team and its conservation partners. Integrated-Aqua is honored that an ICM system is helping provide the controlled aquatic environment supporting this important work.

As research institutions, zoos, universities, and government agencies take on increasingly complex challenges in aquatic conservation, dependable life support infrastructure becomes an essential part of protecting valuable animals, maintaining research integrity, and adapting to evolving program needs.

Integrated-Aqua designs aquatic research systems around those demands—combining precision engineering, modularity, efficiency, and long-term reliability to help researchers and animal care professionals focus on what matters most: advancing science and protecting aquatic life.