News Summary
The Florida Aquarium has launched The Tide Pool, a unique cold-water touch exhibit featuring over 200 marine invertebrate species. Spanning 60 feet and holding 4,000 gallons of water, this immersive experience aims to engage visitors with marine life from the Pacific Northwest. With advanced technologies and a focus on conservation awareness, The Tide Pool opens as part of a broader expansion project to enhance visitor experiences and foster appreciation for marine ecosystems.
Tampa Bay, Florida – The Florida Aquarium has unveiled The Tide Pool, a distinctive cold-water touch exhibit, marking one of the few such habitats available on Florida’s west coast. The grand opening took place recently, offering visitors an immersive experience with marine invertebrates.
The Tide Pool spans 60 feet in length and contains approximately 4,000 gallons of water, representing a significant upgrade from the previous exhibit known as No Bone Zone. This new installation allows guests to explore, touch, and connect with over 200 marine invertebrate species, presenting a unique opportunity to engage with these fascinating creatures.
The water temperature in The Tide Pool is meticulously maintained at a cool 50 degrees Fahrenheit, mirroring the chilly waters typically found along the Pacific Northwest coast. This environmental feature enables visitors to experience the textures of various marine life, including the red bat star and the colorful ochre sea star, while also observing spot prawns in their natural-like habitat.
The ambiance of The Tide Pool has been thoughtfully designed to replicate the sights and sounds characteristic of a Pacific Northwest coastline, further enriching the visitor’s experience. The exhibit’s construction comprised six expansive segments, and it incorporates advanced technologies such as a wave action system that enhances the multisensory tactile experience of the touch pool.
The Tide Pool also showcases exciting features, including projected wave effects, a 16-channel surround sound system that immerses guests in coastal soundscapes, and a custom mural designed by artist Curtis Stokes which transforms under UV-reactive lighting, adding visual intrigue to the environment.
Officials from The Florida Aquarium emphasized their mission to spark curiosity and foster a commitment to conservation, especially among younger visitors. Engaging the community with cold-water marine life is viewed as essential to raising awareness about marine ecosystems and conservation efforts.
The opening of The Tide Pool is part of a broader $45 million expansion project at The Florida Aquarium. This development follows the introduction of the MORPH’D gallery earlier in 2023, which highlighted the importance of biodiversity and the evolution of various species.
Future expansion plans at the aquarium aim to further enhance visitor experiences, including plans for the arrival of puffins, set for late 2026 to early 2027. Additionally, new habitats for California sea lions and African penguins are expected to open between late 2027 and early 2028. These projects are made possible through community support, showcasing the public’s investment in local conservation efforts and educational initiatives.
Visitors interested in learning more about The Florida Aquarium and its various exhibits, including The Tide Pool, can find additional information on their official website.
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Additional Resources
- Osprey Observer: A New Wave of Wonder at The Florida Aquarium
- Wikipedia: Marine Conservation
- Business Observer: Florida Aquarium Visitor Milestone
- Google Search: Florida Aquarium
- Florida Trend: Who Said That
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aquarium
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- Google News: Marine Life Exhibits
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
