Merlin Entertainments launches new initiative to expand global conservation projects

Merlin Entertainments has launched a new global conservation program across its portfolio of over 50 SEA LIFE aquariums and in partnership with marine conservation charity, the Sea Life Trust, to deliver projects designed to make a positive impact on conservation in local communities.

The first phase will see seven projects, spanning across Asia, Australia, the USA and Europe, drive positive impact on marine and freshwater ecosystems, species, and habitats across the globe.

They include a breeding program for endangered zebra sharks at SEA LIFE Sydney in Australia and a coral reef restoration project delivered in partnership with the team at SEA LIFE Bangkok in Thailand.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium will play an integral part in the rollout of the Star Project (Stegostoma tigrinum Augmentation and Recovery Project) - a multi-national, collaborative initiative that aims to establish genetically diverse, self-sustaining populations of zebra sharks in marine protected areas of West Papua, Indonesia.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, one of the project’s 'breeder' facilities, has overseen shark eggs being shipped to Raja Ampat, in a world-first for a shark species recovery program.

Meanwhile, SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World is collaborating with two organisations based in Krabi to develop a long term, self-sustaining coral reef research and restoration project in the Andaman region of Southern Thailand.

The research aims to determine the most effective way to promote reef growth and regeneration suited to this region and create an operational framework that will both promote the resilience of these coastal ecosystems as well as foster engagement and support with the local communities that depend on them.

These two projects are the first of the seven to be established in their locations, with other projects around the world due to announce their developments later this year. More project applications have already been submitted to the Conservation Board for evaluation later this year, where local SEA LIFE teams have the opportunity to receive additional support and the ambition to be replicated at other locations in the future.

Chris Brown, Chair of Merlin’s conservation board and head of marine programs and education for SEA LIFE UK, shared “we are incredibly proud to support impactful conservation programs that make a real difference to aquatic wildlife and their habitats.

"Our dedicated teams actively participate in conservation projects around the world.

"From funding turtle conservation research, to releasing zebra sharks into the wild, to rescuing the endangered native British Crayfish, our aspiration is to protect and restore the underwater world for future generations.”

Managing Director of the Sea Life Trust, Graham Mcgrath adds “the Sea Life Trust has marine conservation at its heart, and my ambition is for our charity to continue to raise even more funds to drive impactful conservation projects and programmes around the world as time goes on.

“Our mission is to protect the world’s oceans and the amazing, diverse marine life that lives within them, so it’s brilliant that the Sea Life Trust is working hand in hand with SEA LIFE and Merlin to make significant and positive differences to our planet’s aquatic habitats.

“It’s a privilege to be supporting Merlin’s passionate teams around the world in championing change for good as they undertake a range of inspiring and impactful conservation work; from reducing plastic in our oceans to sustainable fishing, to ending over-exploitation of aquatic life and the destruction of natural habitats. Our world’s climate is driven by its oceans, and we are taking action to help Earth stay beautiful for future generations.”

Image top: Merlin Entertainments launch new global conservation program; Image centre: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium will play an integral part in a tiger shark conservation project; Image above: SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World Credit: Merlin Entertainments