Mystic Aquarium to Break Ground on New Research Center

Facility to Enhance Aquarium’s Research and Conservation Efforts

Mystic, Conn. – Mystic Aquarium will break ground on Tues., Dec. 22 on the new, state-of-the-art Ocean Conservation and Research Center that will expand the Aquarium’s scientific focus on aquatic animal health and behavior. 

The ceremony will take place at 10:30am on the campus of Mystic Aquarium.  

The nearly 9,000 square foot facility will house Mystic Aquarium’s animal care, water quality and research operations, all of which are integral to promoting optimal marine animal care and health practices in both aquarium and zoo settings and in natural habitats.

The new center will be a key component as Mystic Aquarium strengthens its mission programs – conservation, education, exhibits and research – under an interdisciplinary and highly collaborative model entitled “One Ocean, One Mission.”

“As we have grown to have a world-wide impact on ocean and marine animal conservation, our efforts will be enhanced by bringing together our scientific and veterinary functions under one roof to support each other and share and advance their mutual goals of studying and protecting aquatic wildlife,” said Mystic Aquarium President and CEO Dr. Stephen M. Coan.

Mystic Aquarium’s Ocean Conservation and Research Center project has two principal components: (1) renovation of the existing Aquatic Animal Study Center and (2) construction of a new building that will physically attach to the Aquatic Animal Study Center.

Mystic Aquarium is a leading research facility for studying beluga whales with the goal of helping them survive and thrive in their natural habitats. 

Along with scientific research, the new center will help the Aquarium expand its work in ocean conservation.  

Its conservation efforts include emphasis on research related to aquatic animal health in both Long Island Sound and Narragansett Bay, and acting as a forum and convener for public policy discussions and public action.

While most aquariums operate research, education and conservation efforts, Mystic Aquarium has unique competencies and capabilities including:

• Proficiency and global reach in STEM education

• Expertise in marine mammal health, environments and related ongoing research projects

• Extensive cross disciplinary (research, education and conservation) competency in experiential learning locally and globally

• Robust partnerships in research, education and conservation

• The well-being of aquatic animals

• Public awareness about how the largest population tracts in the world interact with these ecosystems

• Resiliency planning to better understand and prepare for the realities of rising tides and shifting weather patterns

The Aquarium is also involved in protecting the population of African penguins in South Africa, belugas off the North Slope of Alaska, and annually responds to more than 100 marine mammal strandings throughout the northeastern United States.

About Mystic Aquarium

Mystic Aquarium, a division of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization counted among the nation’s leading aquariums with more than 300 species and an extensive collection of marine mammals, including New England’s only beluga whales. 

Mystic Aquarium has been a pioneer in offering guests a variety of up close encounters with a wide range of marine animals. The mission of Mystic Aquarium is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through conservation, education and research.  

Sea Research receives major support from United Technologies Corporation, The Coca-Cola Company and Foxwoods Resort Casino. Learn more at mysticaquarium.org.