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CONSERVATION

protecting the aquatic world is more than a priority—it’s a privilege

The Aquarium is committed to making a difference for aquatic life in our surrounding community and beyond. So, we have developed several programs and policies to help us all do just that.

CONSERVATION

protecting the aquatic world is more than a priority—it’s a privilege

The Aquarium is committed to making a difference for aquatic life in our surrounding community and beyond. So, we have developed several programs and policies to help us all do just that.

conservation fund

Each admission automatically generates a $1 deposit to the Aquarium’s Conservation Fund, and that money goes directly towards crucial conservation priorities. This fund raises an estimated $65,000 a year to provide educational opportunities and access to local students, fund internal and external conservation research, support wildlife crisis relief, and equip Aquarium staff with resources to conduct projects in the field.

Species Survival Plan® Programs (SSP)

Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoos and aquariums, research facilities, and partners play a crucial role in the long-term survival of hundreds of global species. Species Survival Plans® (SSP) are AZA-managed programs that ensure the continued viability of wild populations by monitoring and managing animals under human care. By coordinating the breeding and transfer of individuals between institutions, SSP programs ensure a healthy, genetically diverse, and demographically varied population of these animals at AZA institutions. 

The Aquarium of Niagara participates in the Species Survival Plans® for the species shown here.

humboldt penguin

northern lined sea horse

spotted turtle

harbor seal

grey seal

california sea lion

single-use plastic

Plastic waste is one of the biggest threats to our ocean and the animals that live there. That’s why the Aquarium has committed to eliminating single–use plastic products within the building. So far, we have successfully removed these items in our gift shop, installed water refill stations in the building, and stocked vending machines with aluminum cans.

community events and activities

The Aquarium holds an annual beach cleanup on the shores of Lake Ontario to prevent trash from entering the lake and surrounding waterways. Every year, volunteers, including several local student groups, remove hundreds of pounds of trash that would have otherwise directly affected aquatic habitats.

Located among the extensive Gorgeview trail system, the Aquarium is uniquely situated to connect visitors to the nature surrounding us. With the completion of our new welcome plaza, Whirlpool Commons, the Aquarium’s education team is now able to bring conservation messaging and activities outside with opportunities for experiential learning among diverse habitats. The Aquarium also offers free monthly Nature Stories trail hikes where community members are encouraged to interact with local plants and wildlife and learn about efforts to protect these important ecosystems.

supporting staff and conservation efforts

The Aquarium is proud to empower our employees to participate in conservation projects. We offer paid leave for staff members to spend time in the field making a difference for our planet. From planting trees to help control erosion to assisting in the set–up of living exhibits at other organizations, we are empowering our staff to share their time and experience.

conservation

Through the Aquarium’s conservation volunteer program for staff, I was able to participate in a creek restoration project with Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper. It was a great reminder that there are so many ways to become involved in conservation right here in our own communities, to help make a difference for local aquatic wildlife and ecosystems!

Abigail Pietrow, Penguin Keeper

sustainable seafood

The Aquarium is committed to sustainable seafood practices, and we’re passionate about empowering our guests to make smart supermarket decisions that positively impact wild fish populations. We encourage visitors to check out Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch® program. Whether sourcing from sustainable harvested populations or avoiding heavily impacted fish stocks, their yearly Seafood Watch® List recommends the best options for you and your family to ensure a healthy aquatic ecosystem. The Aquarium utilizes responsible companies to source the food for our animals.

Learn more about Seafood Watch
Download the Northeast U.S. Consumer Guide