Touch Tank Hut returns to Alderney Landing
Posted Jun 1, 2018 06:34:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A program aiming to spark interest in marine life returns to Alderney Landing this weekend.
Back to the Sea set up the Touch Tank Hut as a trial program last summer, seeing 1,800 visitors over five weekends. This year, they'll be open all summer.
The organization's executive director Magali Gregoire says the hope is if people get to see what's under the ocean surface, they'll be inspired to protect it.
“A lot of people don't realize we have a lot of cool life in our cold Atlantic waters, it's not just in tropical waters you see bright colours,” she told NEWS 95.7's The Sheldon MacLeod Show. “We want to bring that ocean to eye level for everyone to enjoy.”
Most of the animals on display were caught this spring and will be re-released into the ocean this fall where they will be able to complete their life-cycle.
“We like to say we're giving them a little summer vacation away from predators,” said Gregoire. “They easily get fed so they're nice and happy all summer long.”
To celebrate their reopening, a kelp-cutting ceremony will be held Saturday morning at 9 a.m. followed by other events and activities, including a visit from Raina the Mermaid.
The Touch Tank Hut can be found in a bright teal hut near Alderney Landing's parking lot.
