Britain’s largest aquarium has lost more than £1million during the coronavirus lockdown and will be facing a financial crisis if it can’t open soon.
The National Marine Aquarium (NMA), in Plymouth, has to spend up to £10,000 a day to keep the attraction, and its 5,000 sea creatures, in tip-top shape.
Chief executive Roger Maslin said the charitable business has lost £1.1million in revenue while at the same time racking up costs of £1million.
But aquariums, unlike zoos, have not allowed to reopen on June 15’s #IAmOpen day, alongside “non-essential” retailers.
The NMA even has safety procedures in place, Mr Maslin said, and added: “At the National Marine Aquarium we have implemented extensive safety measures to ensure all who visit us a calm and relaxing experience.
“As the largest aquarium, we have plenty of floor space for everyone to spread out into and will be making sure that our popular talks and shows are available to download on our free WIFI, so that people can watch and learn as they journey around the world’s ocean.
“Many of the challenges that face zoos are similar to aquaria, but as mainly indoor attractions, it may take longer for the public to feel safe to visit their favourite fish.
“Sadly every day of low visitor numbers puts pressure on our already stretched charitable finances. At the right time, we need the Government to robustly reassure the public that aquariums and other indoor attractions like museums and cinemas have been made safe to visit. Government clarity will mean we can plan for the future, not just for us but for a healthier ocean for all.”
Among the measures that have been put in place at the NMA, hourly time slots have been allocated to limit capacity and there will be a huge reduction in the number of daily tickets available, to limit visitor numbers,
Staff have been installing more washing areas and hand sanitiser stations, increasing the cleaning of exhibit areas and toilets, installing markers in front of exhibits to help people to socially distance, and making the aquarium route a one-way system.
But bosses at NMA have made it clear they will only open when it is considered safe for the public.
However, its education programme, which sees 30,000 children a year come through its doors and take part in curriculum based lessons, has had to stop.
The British and Irish association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), says the situation is felt across the conservation sector.
Nicky Needham, senior manager at BIAZA, said: “It is a sad situation that we are forced to highlight the crisis facing our conservation powerhouses rather than the amazing work they do to leave the planet a better place.
“We are imploring Government to give zoos and aquariums the financial aid they need.”
