ReefHQ celebrated a great success after an extensive four-year campaign. They moved their world-famous fish and coral collection to the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) in Townsville. This monumental task required an estimated 1.2 million fish to be relocated, including more than 35 species of fish. We moved 33 species of propagated coral samples to specialized tanks that mimic natural ocean conditions. This move furthers long-time marine research and advocacy work. It’s even laying the groundwork for Australia’s future Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, the largest living coral reef aquarium in the world, expected to open in 2029.
Aquarium curator Ed Ung guided the careful and delicate process of destocking ReefHQ. In a recent interview, he explained that for him, the experience was an extraordinary undertaking of empathy. It’s been a pretty monumental task,” he said, calling it “a science complex” moving the life over water deep.
Innovative Relocation Techniques
The move was made using state of the art movers and techniques in a process that prioritized the marine creatures’ safety and wellbeing. Specialized shark training Months went into prepping this shark to get on that refrigerated shark truck. This truck utilized a custom-built tank specifically designed for this application.
Mr. Ung elaborated on the challenges faced during the relocation, stating, “To capture and move all of those animals requires our team to be on scuba.” The team employed large cages to safely transport dozens of fish species, while scuba divers utilized baskets and cages underwater to assist in the careful relocation.
“The acrylic technology that was available 38 years ago has come a very long way,” noted Mr. Nucifora, emphasizing how advancements have improved aquarium conditions for marine life. This original collection is now living in AIMS’s Sea Simulator. This state-of-the-art facility provides the optimal surroundings for the health, care and reproduction of the corals.
Future Prospects for Coral Propagation
Marine biologists have started coral propagation efforts to increase the number of corals. This initiative is one small piece of that relocation effort to the new aquarium. “We’re looking at doing some propagation to increase the quantity of coral that we are able to take back to the aquarium when it reopens,” Mr. Ung shared.
This new aquarium has aspirations beyond the usual fishy spectacle. It aims to foster a deeper emotional connection between visitors and the Great Barrier Reef. Professor Rohan Lloyd emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Now seems like a really urgent time to have an aquarium like ReefHQ in Townsville, given the threat that reefs face both locally and globally.”
Featuring a 180-foot-long underwater tunnel, the aquarium aims to create an immersive experience that demonstrates the deep connection between coral reefs and human life. As Professor Lloyd put it, “The function it plays is to explain that connection between coral reefs and humans.”
The Vision for the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium
Once realised, the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium will be an indispensable tool for education and research, playing a key role in reef conservation initiatives. Mr. Nucifora expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Providing a totally immersive experience for guests is going to be top of mind for us.”
The aquarium is an incredible way to see the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. It empowers visitors to make strides in protecting this natural wonder. As Mr. Ung remarked, “Our corals are happy and healthy and are even starting to grow,” indicating that the relocation has been successful thus far.
