The Bioparc Aquarium in Gijón has launched a very special initiative to commemorate its 20th anniversary. It's an open-air exhibition that reveals the inner workings of the center, those tasks that the public doesn't see but that are essential for its daily operation. Entitled 'What You Don't See ,' the exhibition is located in the heart of the city, on Francisco Tomás y Valiente Street, and will be open for a month.
The exhibition consists of 16 photographic panels showcasing different areas of the aquarium, from the technical rooms and kitchen to the laboratory and veterinary areas. Aquarium director Alejandro Beneit explained that the aim is to reveal the "magic" that happens behind each tank, a task carried out by biologists, keepers, and veterinarians around the clock. Furthermore, a pioneering project to address the arrival of Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish on the Asturian coast was announced during the presentation.
An exhibition to discover invisible work
The exhibition 'What You Don't See' is a tribute to the aquarium's staff. The images showcase details such as the seawater intake and filtration system, which draws water directly from the Cantabrian Sea and distributes it to the tanks. The exhibition also depicts the preparation of food for the nearly 5.000 animals that live at the center, a task that requires individualized diets for each species. The Councilor for Institutional Relations, Jorge González-Palacios, emphasized that the exhibition is "a taste" of what visitors can find at the aquarium and encouraged the residents of Gijón to visit it. The exhibition will remain on Tomás y Valiente Street until approximately August 20th.
The project against the Portuguese caravels
During the inauguration, Alejandro Beneit also unveiled details of a research project that the aquarium will carry out in collaboration with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the University of Oviedo, and the Gijón City Council. The project involves testing two models of anti-pollution barriers to analyze their effectiveness in preventing species such as jellyfish and Portuguese man-of-war from reaching the coast. The tests will be conducted in the Bioparc's dock using a 15-meter barrier, and are expected to begin in early August, provided a sufficient number of specimens arrive. Beneit emphasized the need to "move forward to see if we can address the situation" given the increase in these organisms due to climate change.
A tribute to the team
The exhibition not only showcases the facilities but also highlights the work of the people who make animal care possible. Among the areas featured is the Asturias Marine Animal Recovery Center (CRAMA), one of the aquarium's most important facilities. Beneit noted that the construction of CRAMA has been one of the aquarium's most significant achievements over the past 20 years, as it has become a leading center for the rehabilitation of stranded turtles and seals. Furthermore, the laboratory and quarantine areas are essential for making decisions regarding the animals' health. The exhibition aims to help visitors appreciate the daily effort behind each tank.
20 years of history and future
The Bioparc Aquarium in Gijón is the most visited tourist attraction in Asturias, and its anniversary is being celebrated with a variety of activities. The street exhibition is just one of them; the director announced that more events will be added in the coming months. The exhibition, made possible thanks to the collaboration of the City Council, offers a unique opportunity to see the aquarium "behind the scenes." Beneit expressed his gratitude for the use of the public space and highlighted that Tomás y Valiente Street is a very busy area, allowing the exhibition to reach a wide audience. The exhibition invites reflection on the importance of marine conservation and the often unseen work that makes it possible.
The exhibition 'What You Don't See' and the project against Portuguese man-of-war reflect the Gijón Aquarium's commitment to the dissemination, research, and conservation of the marine environment. The exhibition will be open to the public until mid-August, while the tests with the barriers will begin in the coming weeks. Both initiatives demonstrate that the aquarium is not only a place of leisure, but also a center for science and biodiversity protection.
