Ecosystems found in the ocean are as diverse as those found on land, however, it’s not everyday that we get to explore what lies within the bottom of the oceans. Aquariums are the perfect places that allow us to marvel at the magnificent creatures that occupy 71 percent of the world’s surface.
There are many aquariums all over the word, but have you ever wondered which ones are the best? Here is a list of top 5 best aquariums in the world.
1. Nausicaá Centre National de la Mer
Location: Bouloge-sur-mer, France
The exceptional architectural design of Nausicaá resembles an enormous manta ray. The aquarium further has a huge diversity of sea life and maintains a core educational mission focusing on the relationship between mankind and the sea.
The aquarium is home to over 60 000 creatures including lionfish, sea lions, leopard sharks, tiger sharks and many more. Nausicaá is also involved in conservation work, helping to reconstruct coral reefs in the Maldives and working to protect the African Penguins found in South Africa.
2. L’Oceanografic
Location: Valencia, Spain
L’Oceanografic is the largest aquarium in Europe and is spread across 1,200,000 square feet. They pride themselves as being an educational and recreational centre. The habitats in the aquarium are housed in nine underwater towers, representing all the world’s major ecosystems, ranging from the frozen, to the temperate and tropical.
L’Oceanografic has several marine conservation projects which they carry out, such as studies on sustainable fishing, protection of bottlenose dolphins and their Recovery centre’s work for the Marine Fauna.
3. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Location: Osaka, Japan
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the most popular aquariums in Japan, with a special focus on the animals of the Pacific Rim. What makes this aquarium unique is the presentation of their exhibits, and the wonder truly begins the moment guests arrive and walk through the Aqua Gate into a tunnel of ocean blue.
The Pacific Ocean covers a third of the world’s surface, so the Osaka Aquarium has managed to provide a thorough representation of the ocean’s ecosystem found in this region. The aquarium is also linked with the Osaka Aquarium Biological Research Institute of Iburi Centre.
4. E.A Aquarium
Location: Sentosa island, Singapore
This aquarium is on of the largest in the world with 100 000 specimens living within its enormous tanks. There are 10 different zones encompassing 50 habitats and visitors embark on a voyage of travelling from the Strait of Karimata to the Red Sea and beyond.
Visitors can expect to spot an abundance of over 200 sharks, ranging from man-eaters to bottom-feeders. The aquarium has a conservation crew, the Gaurdians of the S.E.A.A, and together they aim to protect the oceans by partnering with communities through numerous initiatives. Some of their successful projects include the reduction of single-use plastics in schools, and reef and beach clean-up drives.
5. Georgia Aquarium
Location: Atlanta, United States
Georgia Aquarium used to be considered as the biggest aquarium in the world when it opened back in 2005, just about the same time when Australian sports betting online was really getting off the ground. Despite losing the title, the aquarium is still the largest in the United States.
The aquarium has a number of zones dedicated to freshwater ecosystems and marine environments, river habitats and coral reefs which are all prime for exploring. Georgia Aquarium is a non-profit organization and educational engagement is at the forefront of their customer experience. They provide at-home learning resources, off and on-site school programs, live web cams and volunteer opportunities.