Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/187071
News maltatoday, SUNDAY, 6 OCTOBER 2013 An ocean in Qawra Wandering through a wide-open seascape on display to the general public, CHRIS MANGION gets lost in the newly opened Malta National Aquarium PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS MANGION TWENTYSIX water tanks. Over 120 different species of fish, including sharks, rays, seahorses and eels. A facility of more than 20,000 square metres. A cost of €16 million, co-financed by the European Union. This is the Malta National Aquarium. With the Maltese coastline as its theme, the National Aquarium includes a number of well-known diving spots. It also showcases replicas of dive wrecks. Walking through the entrance, visitors are welcomed by an open-topped aquarium and invited to touch the fish. While most of the fish are still shy of human company, a burqax can be seen swimming up to brush against children's fingers. All the tanks replicate the underwater environment. A 12-metre tunnel and a smaller tunnel specially designed for children take the visitors from the Mediterranean to the oceans and the tropics. Large grey and brown fish make way for smaller, brightly coloured species. All sorts of sea creatures – from large sharks to tiny clown fish – swim up to the glass as children and adults tap against it. As sharks and rays swim overhead, the walls of the aquarium change from rocks and stones to the inside of a submarine. Smaller tanks hold newborn seahorses still wrapped around their mother's sleek body. Opposite, two lines of blue string suspend transparent shark eggs, with tiny embryos visibly swimming inside. The concept for a national aquarium was in the air for many years. It was first attempted in 1993, when the old national pool in Marsascala closed down. The original idea was to convert the pool into an aquar- ium. However it became evident that the location was too remote for tour operators. The Ministry of Tourism then identified the site at Qawra Point as a possible location for this project. An international call for offers was launched in 1996, but the process was discontinued and deemed unfeasible, since the aquarium was to be funded solely from private sources. Choosing the option of a public-private partnership, the Malta Tourism Authority later moved forward with the project on behalf of the Maltese government and obtained European Union funding. The aquarium was officially inaugurated last Thursday, 3 October, by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. Marine Aquatic Limited, consisting of a consortium including Ebcon, Elbros and Marinescape, operates the facility. The area also includes a public garden at promenade level, a multistorey car park, catering facilities including the Cafe del Mar reef club, a merchandise outlet and a tourist information kiosk. The aquarium is open daily from 10am to 10pm. Ticket prices are €12.90 for adults and €6 for children. Children under the age of five enter free of charge Fantastic deals on all our Kitchens this month Mill Street, Qormi | 2278 2000 | www.joinwell.com.mt