In a world where protecting marine life has become more important than everMarine aquariums are positioned as essential spaces for the conservation, study, and dissemination of ocean ecosystems. Beyond being places for leisure or simply observing exotic species, they have evolved into centers for scientific research, environmental education, and international cooperation, playing a leading role in marine protection.
Centers such as the Costa de AlmerÃa Aquarium, the National Aquarium of the Dominican Republic, and the Seville Aquarium These are just a few examples of how these spaces contribute to both the understanding and improvement of the marine environment. Thanks to agreements and collaborations, aquariums can exchange species, share technologies, and train specialists, creating a global network that strengthens conservation and environmental education.
International collaboration: beyond borders
The exchange of species and knowledge between aquariums in different countries It allows for strengthening environmental education and the preservation of marine biodiversityA recent example is the agreement between the Aquarium Costa de AlmerÃa and the National Aquarium of the Dominican Republic, which not only focuses on the transfer of species, but also includes technology transfer, joint training, and research projects focused on animal welfare.
This type of alliances brings the reality of the seas and oceans closer to thousands of students and citizens Every year, they bring the richness of the marine ecosystems of both the Mediterranean and the Caribbean closer to home. They also position these centers as international benchmarks and, in turn, contribute to the tourism and scientific revitalization of their respective regions.
Aquariums as spaces for active conservation and outreach
Marine aquariums also act as hotspots for conservation and recovery of threatened speciesThe Seville Aquarium, for example, develops sea ​​turtle recovery programs, especially the Caretta caretta species. Through initiatives such as turtle breeding, release, and monitoring with transmitters, social awareness is promoted and the survival of these species is directly supported. Educational campaigns during the summer and animal sponsorship reinforce the impact of these actions on the local population and visitors.
The objective of these programs goes beyond the purely scientific: The aim is to involve citizens in beach protection, waste reduction and nest detection., thus promoting active participation in conservation.
Research and conservation of unique species
Aquariums are often essential allies in the . The Glaucostegus Project, a pioneering initiative coordinated by several entities including the Seville Aquarium, focuses its efforts on studying and preserving the giant guitarfish or guitarrón (Glaucostegus cemiculus), whose stable European population is limited to the coasts of Cadiz and Huelva.
The collaboration of scientists, institutions, and citizens has enabled the collection of essential data on the biology, reproduction, distribution, and threats to the species. Scientific sampling campaigns, DNA collection, health analysis, and citizen collaboration have made it possible not only to improve knowledge, but also to propose advanced conservation strategies, including ex situ reproduction projects in aquariums and future reintroductions into safe habitats.
This approach, which combines laboratory and field work, reinforces the importance of aquariums as platforms for applied science and the real protection of the marine environment.
Marine aquariums play an invaluable role in the . Through school visits, workshops, interactive exhibits, and campaigns like "Here We Save Turtles," they raise environmental awareness and respect for the oceans and their inhabitants.
Daily activity in these centers is not limited to exhibitions: Many aquariums complement their work with training of technicians, joint research, and programs to promote citizen science. This way, any visitor can discover the importance of caring for the sea and, in the process, become an ambassador for marine conservation in their area.
The role of marine aquariums in the current landscape is fundamental. Through international collaboration, scientific research, species recovery, and social awareness, these spaces become true bridges between science, society, and the sea. Visiting an aquarium is, therefore, much more than a visual experience: it's an opportunity to learn, participate, and contribute to the protection of the oceans and the life they harbor.
