News and Updates
Our News and Updates page is your portal to the dynamic world of marine conservation, eco-tourism, and marine life exploration. Stay informed about our ongoing initiatives, exciting events, and the incredible stories from our marine parks.
15 October 2023
AQWA, Western Australia
Kooky Creatures
Halloween Party
Get ready for a spooktacular adventure at AQWA's Kooky Creatures Halloween Party!
Join us as we transform the aquarium into a haunted wonderland filled with the eeriest deep-sea creatures. Put on your most frightening or adorable Halloween costume and dive into the family-friendly festivities.
Explore the aquarium, follow the kooky creatures' trail, and unravel the mysteries of the slimiest, creepiest, and crawliest critters of the ocean kingdom.
Don't miss this bone-chilling experience on Halloween night!
Date: Halloween | Tuesday, October 31
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: AQWA, Hillarys, WA
11 October 2011
Palma Aquarium, Spain
Rescuing Whitefin Sharks:
The 'Petits Taurons - Acció Stellaris' Project
Thanks to the "Petits Taurons - Acció Stellaris" project, Palma Aquarium released 16 whitefin sharks into the Mediterranean Sea, addressing the critical situation of white sharks, categorized as "Endangered" in the Red Book of Fish of the Balearic Islands.
On October 4, 16 whitefin sharks were introduced into the waters of El Toro, Mallorca, marking the second stage of this conservation effort. In September 2021, the first eleven baby sharks were born, resulting in approximately 208 calves across three breeding centers, with 160 eggs at different incubation stages carefully monitored.
This project is possible through the alliance of eight entities dedicated to protecting this species, including the Palma Aquarium Foundation, Save the Med, Shark Med, Mallorca Preservation Fund, Small Mediterranean Islands Initiative, Marilles Foundation, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Environment, and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Environment National Maritime-Terrestrial Park of the Cabrera Archipelago.
The Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park plans to introduce another 50 specimens in the near future, strengthening the commitment of the "Petits Taurons - Acció Stellaris" project.
03 October 2023
Palma Aquarium, Spain
Palma Aquarium’s
new special program
Whether you're a sealife enthusiast, seeking a unique experience, or planning a family adventure, we have something extraordinary in store for you.
Explore Palma Aquarium's new special program, offering a fascinating and educational adventure...
-
The LAB Experience: A Fusion of Learning and Fun
-
Feeding the Animals: Witness Marine Dining
-
Ocean Experts: Knowledgeable Guides
-
Divers in the Big Blue: Unveiling Ocean Mysteries
We invite you to visit us and craft unforgettable memories of our magnificent oceans.
Join us in supporting marine conservation and embark on an extraordinary adventure that leaves a lasting impact.
01 September 2023
Maui Ocean Center, Hawai’i
Kama‘āina now receive
discounted admission every weekend
On September 1, 2023, in Māʻalaea, Maui, HI, Maui Ocean Center responds to the community’s need for recovery and self-care by introducing discounted admission every weekend for all Hawai’i residents. Tapani Vuori, the general manager at Maui Ocean Center, stated, “In the aftermath of this month’s wildfires, we have all witnessed the power of community.
We want to ensure local residents, especially our families and keiki, can experience the awe, wonder, and beauty surrounding them at Maui Ocean Center. Residents and those affected need space to heal and recover as we navigate the road ahead.”
During each Saturday and Sunday, kama‘āina (local) admission is set at $10 for keiki (children) and $15 for makua (adults) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry at 4 p.m.). A valid Hawai’i state ID is required, except for affected Lāhainā and Upcountry residents.
Furthermore, kama‘āina can enjoy a 10% discount at Reef Café, Seascape restaurant, and the world-class gift store Maui Ocean Treasures (some exclusions may apply).
Sandy Fujiwara, the retail director at Maui Ocean Treasures, encourages visitors to submit pre-orders if the shirts run out in-store, as they are working to print more shirts locally on Maui. This initiative supports the community’s healing and recovery efforts after the recent wildfires.
20 February 2023
Underwater Observatory, Eilat
Unveiling the
Wonders of the AquaDome
Close your eyes and picture this: You're descending into the mesmerizing darkness of the ocean, and as your senses adjust to the ethereal underwater realm, you find yourself transported to the enchanting world of humpback whales.
An awe-inspiring adventure awaits you at Eilat's world-renowned underwater observatory park.
Take your first step into the incredible AquaDome, a technological marvel that guarantees an unforgettable experience with a fully immersive 360° view. It's not just a visit; it's a journey into the heart of the ocean.
As your journey unfolds, an enthralling film begins, offering an intimate and up-close encounter with these majestic humpback whales.
Every aspect of this experience has been carefully curated to ensure you leave with not just memories but also a profound connection to our planet's marvelous singers of the sea.
We invite you to visit us at the AquaDome, where adventure and wonder await. It's a rare opportunity to explore the mysteries of humpback whales and forge a deep, lasting bond with these incredible creatures. Come and be a part of this extraordinary adventure.
13 February 2023
AQWA, Western Australia
Turtle release off
Exmouth
With the arrival of winter, Perth witnesses the severe onset of wild waves and blustery winds, often leaving in their wake the sad sight of washed-up marine life.
It has become an annual tradition for us to receive numerous calls from concerned individuals across Perth who have stumbled upon lost turtles or sea snakes stranded along the shoreline. These cases make up the bulk of our inquiries, yet, on occasion, we also receive puzzling reports about mysterious marine creatures.
These mysteries are often solved with a chuckle, as the intriguing specimens turn out to be nothing more than amusingly unusual sea squirts or sponges.
In the face of adversity, there is always a ray of hope for these resilient beings, and that's where our dedicated team steps in. AQWA takes pride in being the frontline responders for these distressed marine creatures.
Our mission is to provide care and support to the stranded turtles and sea snakes and those peculiar-looking sea squirts and sponges that occasionally confuse our well-meaning callers.
With a commitment to marine life conservation, we strive to ensure that every creature, no matter how peculiar or commonplace, has a fighting chance at survival in the face of nature's challenges.
13 January 2022
Maui Ocean Center, Hawai’i
Seascape Restaurant offers lunch to support local farmers and marine life.
Maui Ocean Center's Seascape Restaurant is committed to promoting sustainable community dining while actively supporting marine conservation efforts.
As a Surfrider platinum-certified ocean-friendly restaurant, we warmly invite our fellow kamaʻāina to come together over delectable cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients.
Enjoy a delightful 3-course prix fixe menu, all priced at just $25 per person. Your culinary journey begins with an Island Greens Salad featuring Upcountry vegetables, followed by Liʻi Liʻi Hanapaʻa, which showcases the morning's freshly caught fish, thoughtfully paired with Chef Henry's seasonal accompaniments. To conclude your meal, savor the indulgent Maui 'Ulu Pie – a dessert highlighting locally grown breadfruit, macadamia nuts, coconut, and local honey.
What makes your dining experience even more meaningful is that, for every lunch purchased, Seascape will contribute $1 to the MOC Marine Institute.
By dining at Seascape, you not only treat your taste buds but also contribute to the preservation of our marine ecosystems.
Join us in our mission for sustainable dining and marine conservation!
22 October 2021
AQWA, Western Australia
AQWA
Best of Breed!
Aquarium-based breeding plays a pivotal role in our conservation efforts in all our locations, and the Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA) is no exception.
AQWA has achieved remarkable success in breeding and releasing various marine species, including Eagle Rays, Giant Cuttlefish, Seahorses, and Smooth Rays. These achievements stand as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the AQWA team, who work tirelessly daily as natural conservationists. Their mission is to contribute to the protection of endangered marine animals.
The breeding program at AQWA has been so incredibly successful that it has now expanded to include the breeding of endemic species like the Leafy Sea Dragons. Notably, AQWA has achieved unparalleled success in egg transfers within the Leafy Sea Dragon habitat.
At AQWA, the curatorial team has the unique opportunity to closely observe endangered species' behaviors and mating habits, all from a safe distance.
This valuable knowledge enables them to practice informed preservation of marine creatures.
17 September 2021
Palma Aquarium, Spain
Shark Success:
Project Alitan
In January 2021, a collaborative agreement involving nine environmentally-focused organizations and ministries was initiated to promote the breeding of sharks.
This pilot project, managed by the Fundación Palma Aquarium and Cabrera National Park, has achieved nearly a year of successful shark breeding, aiming to release these sharks back into the wild. While these sharks belong to a threatened species category, they are not critically endangered. The long-term objective of this initiative is to replicate the breeding program for other endangered species.
Increasing the shark population in the Mediterranean is crucial for ensuring a healthier marine ecosystem. Sharks play a vital role in maintaining balance, preserving species diversity, and eliminating weak and sick individuals from the water. Currently, Palma Aquarium has witnessed the successful hatching of 29 sharks, and the expert team at Palma Aquarium continues to oversee their care and development.
The Fundación Palma Aquarium is proud to collaborate with esteemed partners, including the Ministry of Environment and Territory, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Small Mediterranean Islands, Marilles Foundation, Cabrera Interpretation Centre, Asociacion Shark Med, Mallorca Preservation, and Save The Med Foundation.