The Ucluelet Aquarium is a small public aquarium located in the town of Ucluelet on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The aquarium was first established in 2002 as a temporary facility and has since become a permanent fixture in the community.
The aquarium's focus is on showcasing the marine life of the local area, including animals such as sea stars, sea urchins, anemones, crabs, and fish. Many of these creatures are housed in touch tanks, allowing visitors to have a hands-on experience with the animals. The aquarium also features exhibits on local marine ecosystems and the human impact on marine environments.
One of the unique features of the Ucluelet Aquarium is its commitment to sustainability. All of the animals on display are collected from the wild and are returned to their natural habitats at the end of each season. The aquarium also operates using sustainable practices such as solar power and rainwater harvesting.
The Ucluelet Aquarium is a popular attraction for visitors to the town, and it is also a center for marine education and research. The facility offers educational programs and guided tours for both adults and children, and it works closely with local schools to promote marine science education. The aquarium also partners with local researchers to conduct studies on local marine ecosystems and to help monitor the health of the region's marine life.