Did you know that the Sea Life Centre in Brighton is the world’s oldest operating aquarium? The Sea Life Centre has always been a top attraction for visitors and residents alike, and this year they are pulling out all the stops to make it bigger and better than ever with their newest attraction. Secrets of the Reef is making is global debut at the Sea Life Centre next month and it’s going to be amazing. 
After twelve months of planning and four months of intensive preparation work, Secrets of the Reef will invite visitors to ‘discover the paradise of a Maldives reef and meet its most famous residents like the regal tang and clownfish’. The installation will bring more than 400 new fish across 31 different species to the centre, along with 70 captivating seahorses, two tons of rock and over 15,000 litres of water. There will also be two brand new creature zones to explore; the Secrets of the Reef Coral Gardens and Seahorse Nursery. These areas will highlight the aquarium’s important coral conservation project in the Maldives and a seahorse breeding programme.
Since 2007, the Sea Life Centre has been involved in a coral restoration project in the Maldives. The project supports local communities to restore and protect their reef as the source of their livelihood. The project also helps ensure the centre’s fish are sourced using sustainable practices. There will also be a series of interactive displays and there will be a new crawl-through coral reef. The General Manager at Sea Life Brighton said “Secrets of the Reef is an incredible installation with everything from bold, colourful creatures to a strong message about the importance of conservation, a range of fun and educational activities and the chance to get up close to these beautiful underwater species. You can find out more at their website.
Holly Martin
holly@brightonjournal.co.uk
