CONSERVATION AT SEAQUARIUM RHYL…


Tropical Reef...

SeaQuarium aims to support conservation of threatened species and habitats, locally, nationally and internationally.

Animal collections in the 21st century have a responsibility to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity. There are numerous ways aquariums can help work towards the protection of vulnerable and threatened species and habitats.

Firstly, aquariums like SeaQuarium Rhyl hold individuals of species which are endangered in the wild. By doing this captive animal institutions play a major part in ex-situ conservation (conservation conducted outside of a species natural range). Well managed captive animal stocks form back up populations which can, if required, could supplement wild populations or in the worst case scenario provide animals for a reintroduction programme if the species or a population of that species goes extinct in the wild. There are recognized species management programmes organised at regional and global levels through which animals in separate aquariums are managed collectively in order to maintain genetically diverse and healthy captive populations.

Secondly, responsible captive animal collections consider it their duty to contribute funds, expertise and resources to in-situ conservation projects (conservation conducted on the ground in the natural habitat of species). SeaQuarium supports in-situ conservation nationally and internationally.

Conservation education, raising awareness of the plight of threatened species, habitat destruction and how ordinary people can help fight extinction and destruction is a third important role fulfilled by aquariums. Rhyl SeaQuarium has a successful formal education programme and in addition keeper talks and exhibit signage help inform visitors about the situations faced by animals in the wild and gain public support for conservation initiatives.


HOW TO FIND OUT MORE...

Check out some of the below links to aquatic conservation charities and events.

  • Marine Conservation society – MCS is a UK charity for the protection of our seas, shores and wildlife. Our seas are under immense pressure: too many fish are being taken out, too much rubbish is being thrown in and too little is being done to protect our precious marine wildlife and vital fish stocks. www.mcsuk.org

  • The Good Fish Guide and Fish online is designed to help you identify fish more resilient to fishing pressure, from well-managed sources and caught using methods that minimise damage to wildlife and habitats, allowing you to make the best seafood choices. www.goodfishguide.co.uk

  • Beach Clean - For information on your local beach clean, visit: www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch

  • You could join the MCS and help support their work long term. www.mcsuk.org

  • Shark Trust – Shark Trust is the UK registered charity which works to advance the worldwide conservation of sharks through science, education, influence and action. www.sharktrust.org

  • The Great Eggcase Hunt aims to get as many people as possible hunting for eggcases that have either been washed ashore, or are found by divers and snorkelers underwater. In recent decades, several species of shark, skate and ray around the British coast have dramatically declined in numbers. The empty eggcases (or mermaid’s purses) are an easily accessible source of information on the whereabouts of potential nursery grounds and will provide the Trust with a better understanding of species abundance and distribution. www.sharktrust.org/en/great_eggcase_hunt

  • Adopt a Shark and support the work of the Shark Trust long term. www.sharktrust.org/en/adopt

  • Fish fight – In July 2012 a ‘Fish Fight’ episode was filmed outside the SeaQuarium on Weston super Mare Beach. This is an important time to aid this campaign in its efforts to commit to creating 127 new marine reserves Zones as sanctuaries from overfishing where fish stocks can recover. Join the fish fight today. www.fishfight.net

  • Plastic oceans - Over the last 60 years plastic has become central to our lives and mankind has subjected the planet to a tsunami of plastic waste. Plastic Oceans provides a powerful and effective platform campaigning for, supporting and funding targeted solutions aimed at significantly reducing plastic pollution in the environment. To find out how the decisions you make as a consumer can help visit www.plasticoceans.net
    Look out for the upcoming film Plastic Oceans

  • MARINElife - Conserving Marine Wildlife through research and education.
    Website: www.marine-life.org.uk
    Twitter:
    twitter.com/marinelife_uk Facebook: facebook.com/MARINElifeUK

  • The Big fish campaign - The aim of the Big Fish Campaign is to raise awareness about the problem of aquarium fish that grow larger than the vast majority of home aquaria can accommodate, and to promote responsible buying and selling of these larger species.
    To find out what species are suitable for home aquariums and how you can help visit www.bigfishcampaign.org

  • Fish to fork - The campaigning restaurant guide for people who want to eat fish sustainably. www.fish2fork.com

  • Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit (CRRU) – Based in Gardenstown, Scotland, from May to October each year, the CRRU research the coastal cetacean species that frequent the inshore water of the outer Moray Firth. In April 2010 the SeaQuarium Displays Manager, Hayley Wood, supported the CRRU with their pilot field project in Southwest Thailand in Trang.
    Join the research team and gain experience in the field visit. www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp
    Become a member and support the work of the CRRU long term www.crru.org.uk/become_a_member.asp
TODAY AT RHYL...

SeaQuarium Rhyl is now
CLOSED PERMANENTLY
.

Please read this news article for further details.

FREE Activity Booklet!

During your visit to the SeaQuarium, don’t forget to take part in our free children’s activity booklet.
Pick up a booklet, find the answers to the questions around SeaQuarium and play some fun games along the way! Children will even receive a sticker at the end of their visit when shown to a member of staff!

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