Mississippi Aquarium

Mississippi Aquarium is a nonprofit[5] public aquarium located in Gulfport, Mississippi; it opened August 29, 2020.[6] The 5.8-acre (2.3 ha) complex incorporates both indoor and outdoor habitats with more than 200 species of animals and 50 species of native plants. Construction costs were paid through federal, state, local, and private consortiums.

Mississippi Aquarium
Date openedAugust 29, 2020
Location2100 E. Beach Boulevard,
Gulfport, Mississippi, United States of America
Coordinates30°22′4″N 89°5′18″W
Land area5.8 acres (2.3 ha)[1]
Floor space80,000 sq ft (7,400 m2)[1]
No. of species>200 species of fish and other animals[2][3] plus 50 species of native plants[4]
Total volume of tanksover 1 million US gallons (3,800 m3) of saltwater and freshwater
Major exhibits12[3]
Websitewww.msaquarium.org

Construction

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the aquarium were held on May 11, 2018.[7] The lead designer of the aquarium was Eley Guild Hardy Architects of Biloxi, with assistance from PGAV Destinations of St. Louis, and Brown, Mitchell & Alexander, Inc. (consulting engineers) of Gulfport/Biloxi.[8]

Funding for the US$93 million construction project – land acquisition, facility design, and construction – was achieved through public and private collaboration. Up to 90% of financial backing came from the City of Gulfport, the State of Mississippi, RESTORE Act grants,[9] and funds from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Act.[10] Private donations through the Mississippi Aquarium Foundation accounted for the remaining 10% of funding.[10]

Mission

The mission of the Mississippi Aquarium is:

To be a premier institution delivering an awe-inspiring entertainment experience which supports animal research and conservation, inspires learning and instills a passion for the aquatic world.[11]

Features and exhibits

Distinct features at the aquarium entrance and emblazoned on its logo are three sails that represent three pillars of the aquarium – education, conservation, and community.[4]

Current and proposed exhibits include:[3]

The aquarium complex contains landscaped footpaths that are lined with native plants from seven physiographic regions of Mississippi.[11]

See also

References
  1. Perez, Mary (August 29, 2020). "Mississippi Aquarium brings generations for an opening day experience". www.msn.com. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  2. Specker, Lawrence (September 3, 2020). "Mississippi Aquarium: New attraction poised to be regional draw". al.com. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  3. Gagliano, Steven (July 17, 2020). "Mississippi Aquarium grand opening set for August 29th". newsms.fm. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  4. Lofton, Lynn (November 15, 2019). "Mississippi Aquarium will reach hearts and minds beginning in April". msbusiness.com. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
  5. "Mississippi Aquarium | Bids Opened for the Mississippi Aquarium Construction Contract". www.msaquarium.org. November 16, 2017. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
  6. Ruppert, Tristan (August 29, 2020). "Mississippi Aquarium opens with VIP ribbon cutting, reception". wlox.com. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  7. Ablaza, Kendra (May 12, 2018). "Mississippi Aquarium breaks ground in Gulfport". Mississippi Today. Retrieved 2020-09-10.
  8. "Mississippi Aquarium|Aquatic Wonders". bmaengineers.com. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  9. Wells, Chris (2016). "RESTORE ACT Direct Component Multiyear Plan Narrative Department of the Treasury" (PDF). mdeq.ms.gov. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
  10. Staff Report (August 29, 2020). "Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport to open this weekend". The Oxford Eagle. Retrieved 2020-09-09.
  11. "Our Story | Mississippi Aquarium". www.msaquarium.org. Retrieved 2020-09-09.
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