News Release

SHIPPAGAN (GNB) – The New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre has gone high-tech with interactive technology and a new state-of-the-art permanent exhibit to assist in attracting more visitors.

"Today's celebration shows our government's investment in the new permanent exhibit will help attract more visitors and tourists to the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre in Shippagan and the Acadian Peninsula," said Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud.

"The aquaculture and fisheries sectors play a key role in the economy of New Brunswick," said Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Michael Olscamp. "The New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre is both a fun and educational way for New Brunswickers of all to learn about the importance these two sectors."

Robichaud and Olscamp joined members of Les Amis de l'Aquarium and officials of the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre at the official opening of the exhibit room today.

Using interactive technology such as touch-screens and video games, the new state-of-the-art exhibit encourages visitors to “Dive into Acadian waters!” The exhibit takes visitors on an adventure with harvesters of the sea to discover the native sea life such as crustaceans by the ton; the unique breeding behaviour of Capelin (small fish of the smelt family); the "legal bias" against male snow crabs; the sharks among us; salmon and oyster cultures; the fish that is known as legendary fighter; the world's biggest reptile, as well as the inshore, midshore and offshore fisheries and fish farming through the relatively recent industry of aquaculture.

Visitors will also unravel the secret of Acadian waters through underwater topography (underwater valleys, mountains and plateaus where each species has its own niche; feeding area and breeding grounds); the nature of the seafloor; the currents; the tides; and the seasons and their impact on sea life.

"The Government of Canada is proud to support organizations such as Les Amis de l'Aquarium, which are laying the foundation for long-term economic growth in their communities," said Fisheries and Oceans Minister Keith Ashfield, who is also minister of the Atlantic Gateway.
"Our government is confident that our investment in this exhibit will attract more visitors to the Acadian Peninsula, bringing additional economic benefits to this region."

Bernard Paulin, representing Les Amis de l'Aquarium said: “This permanent exhibition is a showcase of Acadian waters and, to some extent, the Acadian culture: it covers the geography of Acadian waters; the wildlife that one finds; and the industries that are closely related to fisheries and aquaculture.”

The provincial government invested $440,563 and the federal government, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, provided a non-repayable contribution of $96,563 under the Business Development Program. Les Amis de l'Aquarium invested $12,875.