Design LANIQAtuotanto
Maretarium is Finland's first aquarium that meets international standards. Maretarium pays tribute to Finnish aquatic life. For the first time ever, the amazing treasures of Finnish waters are on public display. At Maretarium, one can come eye to eye with over 50 indigenous fish. Apart from an aquarium, Maretarium also has a Marine theatre, exhibits on fish research, an aquatic souvenir store, Meri Cafe Kristina and a research and nature study centre. At Maretarium, one may also obtain information on other Kotka area attractions, such as the National Park of the Eastern Gulf of Finland. Maretarium is the result of a long-term collaboration between the city of Kotka, University of Helsinki and the Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute. The construction of Maretarium began in June 2001 and it opened its doors to the public on May 1, 2002. Maretarium was designed by British aquarium architect David Newman and Mirja Tommila of Laitila Arkkitehdit Oy. The main contractor was YIT Rakennus Oy, the aquarium contractor was Aquarium Technology Ltd. Overall, the building of Maretarium cost c. 4.2 million Euros. Kotka Maretarium Oy administers the activities of Maretarium. Kotka Maretarium Oy, which is an affiliate of the city of Kotka, is a partnership between the city of Kotka (91%) and the University of Helsinki (9%). There are 22 theme aquariums at Maretarium, the most splendid one being the 500,000-litres cylindrical tank, which displays fish from the Baltic Sea region. Its water depth is seven meters, which is also the average depth of Finnish lakes. Professor Hannu Lehtonen, of the University of Helsinki, is the scientific expert for the exhibitions. 
 |
|
Top
Print