The National Aquarium in Qawra which has been in the offing for years, is at an advance stage of completion and will be ready by the end of summer. The €16 million project is being carried out through a public private partnership between the Malta Tourism Authority and Marine Aquatic Limited. Half of the investment is being financed through the European Regional Development Fund.
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi on Monday morning visited the site and was greeted by Saviour Ellul, Chairman of Elbros, the company who owns Marine Aquatic Limited.
The aquarium will be spread of over 20,000 square metres with ample parking facilities for up to 160 vehicles. In total there will be 26 display tanks four of which with freshwater. These will host over one thousand fish from around hundred species, mainly from the Mediterranean region. There will also be tropical marine fish such as clown fish, black-tipped sharks and cow-nosed rays. Every aquarium will have its life support system so as to avoid the spread of any possible disease or infection.
The main attraction will be a 12-metre diameter tank which will host two shark species from the Indian Ocean. Visitors will have the opportunity to walk through the aquarium in a glass tunnel and observe these species closely.
Additional features include a class room facility, interpretation, touch pools, a temporary exhibition space, veterinary and quarantine services.
The aquarium will serve to promote the diving industry through the setting up of an institute to assist the local diving community. In addition several parts of the aquarium will have a particular theme reflecting several diving attractions across the island. This will be complemented by murals along public walkways presenting scenic Maltese seascapes and local historical areas.
In line with the project objectives, the aquarium will work closely with a number of local marine conservation groups with the aim to enhance awareness of the local marine flora and fauna. This will be done through an educational facility where children and adults will be taught how to handle marine creatures they may come across while swimming or snorkelling.
The complex will have minimal aesthetic impact since it is located below street level, with the only visible part being a large structure in the form of a starfish. A public garden spread over 3,000 square metres at promenade level which incorporates play areas for children will be on top of the aquarium.
In his comments to the media, the prime minister said that this project will be a unique tourist attraction in the North of the island. He said that tourism is one of the pillars of the economy, and pledged that a PN government will dedicate €250 million for this industry.