Aquarium re-vamp for Bristol Zoo Gardens

The re-vamp also sees long snouted seahorses (Hippocampus reidi) back on display in a specially created tropical marine tank. Seahorses are notoriously difficult to breed and it has taken years for the Zoo’s expert aquarists to create just the right rearing and breeding conditions for the seahorses to thrive.

The aquarium re-launch project was made possible thanks to funding from Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd and the Bristol-based Project AWARE Foundation – a non profit organisation working with divers and water enthusiasts to conserve underwater environments through education, advocacy and action.

Toby Middleton, MSC’s UK Country Manager says: “I am delighted at the lengths that Bristol Zoo is going to support sustainable seafood. In the aquarium visitors can learn about the marine environment and related conservation issues.”

He added: “MSC-certified and labelled seafood makes it easy for consumers to exercise their power and make a sustainable choice that allows them to recognise and reward sustainable fishing practices. And visitors can do it right then and there by ordering MSC labelled sustainable seafood in the zoo’s Coral Café.”

The project goes beyond displays. Compass-owned Milburn’s, the on-site caterer for Bristol Zoo, has achieved MSC Chain of Custody certification; this makes it the first visitor attraction in the UK to serve MSC-certified sustainable seafood.

Bristol Zoo also incorporates information about sustainable fish choices in their education sessions at the on-site education centre.

Jo Gipps, Director of Bristol Zoo Gardens, said: “We are committed to measuring and reducing our environmental impact, as well as encouraging our visitors to do so. We are very pleased, therefore, to have the strands coming together for our impact on the marine environment: visitor interpretation as well as visitor catering.”

Suzanne Pleydell, Director of the Project AWARE Foundation (International), said: “We applaud the efforts of Bristol Zoo for both their own responsible operations and alerting visitors to the importance of making responsible seafood choices. It is incumbent upon us all to adjust our buying patterns to ensure our seas remain healthy and vibrant for future generations.”

Jamie Sweeting, Vice President of Environmental Stewardship and Global Chief Environmental Officer said: “Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.’s Ocean Fund is proud to support the MSC holistic education program at the Bristol Zoo, educating visitors about the impact their choices can have on marine conservation. The protection of our seas and their inhabitants is vital for future generations.”

Bristol Zoo’s aquarium is home to more than 70 species of fish, from a wide variety of tropical and temperate, freshwater and marine habitats including the porcupine pufferfish, red-bellied piranha and the giant gourami.