June 29, 2007

SATELLITE AQUARIUM OPENS IN NEW INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL AT YVR

Vancouver, BC: Vancouver International Airport opened its new international terminal yesterday, which includes two aquatic exhibits operated and maintained by the Vancouver Aquarium.

Located at the end of the stream that runs through the new terminal wing, the 114,000-litre main aquarium houses a rich collection of marine life native to B.C., including several rockfish species, anemones, sea stars, sea cucumbers, greenlings and perch. A smaller, dramatic exhibit features moon jellies that are reared at the Vancouver Aquarium by its resident jelly expert.

Some of the rockfish in the main aquarium were carefully chosen to further the Vancouver Aquarium’s rockfish conservation research. Researchers know very little about reproduction of some very important species of fish, and this exhibit will allow Aquarium scientists to investigate ongoing questions about rockfish reproduction and offspring.

The Vancouver Aquarium rotates its aquarists in maintaining the YVR aquarium on a daily basis. Divers will continue to fine-tune the exhibit over the next several months, carefully placing rocks, kelp and anemones, as well as performing regular cleaning and feeding dives.

YVR estimates that more than one million people a year will pass through the terminal, providing the Aquarium with a wonderful way to help people to connect with B.C. wildlife, even if they don’t have the chance to explore B.C.’s underwater wild coast or even stroll the seawall in Stanley Park.

As a non-profit organization devoted to the conservation of aquatic life, the Aquarium is excited about the opportunity to showcase the brilliance of marine life in B.C. and teach people how important it is to ensure that our natural environment stays pristine for future generations.

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For further information, please contact:

Brenda Jones

Manager, Public Relations

publicrelations@vanaqua.org