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"Sea Change" Brings More Sharks to Brooklyn!
By
Jen Carlson
Published Sep 17, 2009
Modified Sep 17, 2009
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Sep 17, 2009
Modified Sep 17, 2009
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Last night we were informed by the Wildlife Conservation Society that there would be a major announcement made this evening at the New York Aquarium. While the official press conference isn't until 7:30 p.m. tonight (it will include Mayor Bloomberg, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, and Councilman Domenic M. Recchia, Jr.), the NY Times managed to loosen some lips and found out it has to do with their Sea Change (what the WCS has dubbed their renovation project).
The aquarium is moving ahead with a "$100 million plan to renovate its building in Coney Island and create two massive tanks for more than 30 sharks." That is four times the amount of sharks than are lurking around its waters now, and a much larger space for them to swim in. The paper notes that "The aquarium’s single 90,000-gallon tank is to be replaced by two glass-walled tanks with a total capacity of 600,000 gallons."
The WCS also sent over some new information this morning, laying out exactly what to expect with the Sea Change (details after the jump). While they get around 750,000 visitors a year, an exec at the WCS said he'd like to bring in closer to 1 million; Bloomberg declared "we’ll reinvigorate the aquarium and transform it into one of the great seaside attractions in the country." Expect the shark takeover to be in place by 2013; it's just too bad Bertha isn't around to enjoy her new friends and new tank.
The Specifics of A Sea Change at the WCS New York Aquarium include:
- A state-of-the-art Ocean Wonders exhibit, highlighted by a dramatic new shark exhibit - that will anchor the revitalized guest experience, with more indoor space for better year-round conditions;
- A completely new Conservation Hall, showcasing several aquatic habitats under protection by WCS;
- A refurbished and re-imagined Aquatheater that will better connect our guests with our animal ambassadors and to our conservation mission;
- A beautiful new Aquarium exterior along the ocean’s Boardwalk and Surf Avenue, connecting the Aquarium with the ocean;
- An expanded marine conservation program, protecting marine life locally, in the New York Harbor, and around the world.
This transformation means:
- New exhibits with a greatly expanded collection of creatures including a marquee shark exhibit;
- More in-door guest experiences to better ensure the aquarium as a year-round attraction, further establishing the aquarium as Brooklyn’s number one tourist destination;
- A re-imagined Aquatheater;
- A dynamic new Aquarium exterior;
- An expanded marine conservation program, including an emphasis on New York waters;
- Green design and infrastructure resulting in a more sustainable facility.
Tagged
new york aquarium
renovation
Sea Change
sharks
wcs
wildlife conservation society
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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