The Ocean is our Habitat
News
Maui Ocean Center, Hawai’i
21.11.2021
Welcoming the Winter guests at the Maui Ocean Center.
With the annual visit of the North Pacific Humpback whales to Maui, visitors to the island gain a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these magnificent creatures closer, yet still from a safe distance, for both whales and humans.
At the Maui Ocean Center, all season long, from November and until May, these winter guests are celebrated with an in-depth encounter with life-sized 3D whales in the sphere theater, interactive exhibits, information kiosks and multiple in-park learning opportunities for both children and adults.
Visitors now also, have the chance to see the humpbacks in the Māʻalaea Harbor from the Maui Ocean Center restaurant, Seascape.
News
AQWA, Western Australia
22.10.2021
AQWA - Best of Breed!
In all our locations, accomplishing aquarium based breeding is a crucial element of the work we do and the Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA), is no exception.
AQWA has been successfully in both breeding and releasing back to the ocean a number of marine species including: Eagle Rays; Giant Cuttlefish; Seahorses and Smooth Rays. These successes are testament to the hard work, every single day, from the team at AQWA, to make sure that we as natural conservationists, can help reduce the number of endangered marine animals.
The breeding program to date has been so successful that AQWA are now planning to breed the endemic species of Leafy Sea Dragons, having had unparalleled success in egg transfers in the Leafy Sea Dragon habitat.
At AQWA the curatorial team can observe at a close but safe distance, the behaviors and mating habits of endangered species and with this knowledge practice informed preservation of marine creatures.
Palma Aquarium Spain
23.09.2021
Shark Success!!
In January 2021, the collaborative agreement of nine concerned and environmental minded organizations and ministries to breed sharks, was launched.
This pilot project has seen almost a full year of successful breeding of sharks under the care of the Fundación Palma Aquarium and the Cabrera National Park, with the hope that prosperous breeding would precede release into the wild.
Whilst these sharks are a threatened species, they are not on the critically endangered list, the long term goal of this project being to replicate this breeding program with other endangered species.
If we can increase the shark population in the Mediterranean, we will undeniably have a healthier sea, as sharks provide the critical role of keeping balance, maintaining species diversity and removing the weak and sick from the water.
There are currently 29 sharks that have already hatched at Palma aquarium which continues under the watchful eye of Palma Aquarium experts.
The Fundacion Palma Aquarium is proud to collaborate with:
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,
Underwater Observatory , Eilat
23.09.2021
Underwater Observatory heroes
Last week, the Divers Crew at the Underwater Observatory in Eilat put on their superman capes and provided a swift response to a report from the Israel Nature and Parks authority, regarding a struggling Emperor fish.
Julius, the recently named, emperor fish had been discovered, floating and unable to swim near Tor Beach, by a group of concerned youth. After being contacted, the Divers Crew from the Underwater Observatory quickly sailed out to the spot and moved the Emperor Fish to a rehabilitation tank.
He was then transferred to the Underwater Observatory Park for evaluation, rehabilitation, and treatment. Julius underwent surgery to remove air from the buoyancy bladder, and then additional excess air was removed, these are both serious conditions that can lead to death.
We are happy to report that Julius has since made a full recovery at the Underwater Observatory and been returned to the sea, at a depth of 16 meters and close to where he was initially found.
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