We raise awareness about local marine biodiversity and promote respect for the ocean environment.
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- We’re building a
permanent aquarium! - May-September 2008
Student Biodiversity Workshops - Spring 2008
The Mini-Aquarium Reopens - 2007
A year of fundraising
and planning - July-August 2006
A collaboration
with Parks Canada - May-September 2005
The Mini Aquarium returns - May-October 2004
The Ucluelet Mini Aquarium:
a pilot project
May-October 2004:
The Ucluelet Mini Aquarium: a pilot project
The Mini Aquarium was undertaken as a feasibility study. To determine whether a public science education center is economically sustainable in the town of Ucluelet, a small (700 square foot) building was temporarily erected on the Whiskey Dock promenade, in the heart of town. Approximately 30 living displays and touch pools were stocked with local specimens. One full time curator was hired and a Provincial employment grant helped subsidize the salaries for two student interpreters. Entrance fees were modest, just $4.00 for adults and $2.00 per child. The primary goal during this season was to gauge public interest in an institution like ours, an educational aquarium displaying local biodiversity. If we build it, would they come?
Approximately 10,000 people visited the Mini Aquarium in 2004. Attendance was sufficiently high to financially sustain daily operations. Moreover, the reception both from visitors and the local community was overwhelmingly positive. Here are a few excerpts from the Mini Aquarium’s guestbook:
“The best aquarium ever-even Australias! Love the “hands-on” aspect + the opportunity to learn from someone who can answer any questions. Thanks for a fabulous opportunity”
- Bower, Missouri.
“What a terrific experience. I am a science teacher and would love to have this in my city. Everyone working here was so helpful and full of information. This is the best hands on aquarium I have ever been to.”
- Diane Tussy.
“What a wonderful place! Were from Oahu Hawaii+ nothing comes close. Excellent, knowledgeable staff. Incredibly interesting! Kids loved to touch mostly everything. The questions on the clipboards are great. Thank you!”
- The Oka family.