FAQs
Where can I view the plans for the building?
The plans along with information boards will be on display in the foyer of the Aquarium. You are welcome to come and see these when the aquarium is open.
Will the upgraded aquarium be fully accessible?
Yes, the exhibits are all on one level and a lift will connect the café/restaurant upstairs. There will be a Changing Places facility and two disabled-access toilets. The exhibits will include sensory experiences, sound and other accessible features.
What will happen to the fish and marine animals during the refurbishment?
Don't worry!
The animals will stay in the aquarium throughout the building works. All the life support systems will work continuously to keep the tanks running and the aquarium’s specialist team will be attending to the animals’ wellbeing as normal.
Will there be sharks and tropical fish in the new-look aquarium?
The aquarium has always showcased the marine life of the Moray Firth and this won’t be changing. There are local shark species in the collection and the displays will continue to celebrate the amazing marine life on our own doorstep.
Will my school group still be able to engage with the aquarium?
Whilst the aquarium is closed, the team will still be able to offer the digital learning programmes and hope to be out on the road and visiting schools with the mobile rock pools. Keep an eye out on the aquarium's website for more information.
Will there be new facilities at the aquarium?
Yes! There will be plenty to see and do at the new-look aquarium, including new displays, the new learning room and the upper floor café/restaurant which will have fabulous views over the Moray Firth and into the aquarium’s central tank.
The outside space surrounding the aquarium will be landscaped to create a biodiverse area for picnicking, playing, walking and enjoying the coast..
What is a lobster hatchery?
Lobster hatcheries are systems for growing tiny lobster larvae to a bigger size for release into the wild. This gives the larvae a much higher chance of survival, boosting the lobster population which in turn supports the lobster fishery, as well as benefiting marine biodiversity.
We will take eggs from ‘berried’ female lobsters then keep them until they hatch and nurture the larvae through several stages of their growth, before releasing them into the sea. Visitors to the aquarium will be able to see this process through viewing windows into the new hatchery.