New mini aquarium is teeming with local marine life

Friday, 20 August 2021 09:45

By V2 Radio News Team

Photo: Rob Dove, Senior Coastal Warden, looking into the Rockpool Reef tank (Worthing Borough Council)

A native marine life aquarium which shows the richness of the waters off the Sussex coast can now be visited inside Worthing Coastal Office.

Rockpool Reef was created by the Councils' Coastal Wardens - who collected water, sediment and corals for the tank, by hand.

Already, the abundance of marine life which was living inside has shown itself, including cuttlefish fry, shrimp, crab, hermit crab and small mullet fry.

The team is looking forward to documenting the creatures' growth and telling their stories to anyone who wishes to visit.

Talks will include fascinating facts - like learning the common prawns inside the aquarium are almost invisible when hunkered down in the sand - hiding or awaiting their next meal.

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing's Executive Member for Regeneration, said:

“The aim of Rockpool Reef is to educate people about the marine life and environment found off the Sussex coast, just below the waves.

“By replicating this environment, we can show visitors creatures they may otherwise never get to see, and it's also a chance for us to have conversations about conservation.

“The aquarium is low density, all natural and there's plenty of room for the host of life inside. I encourage people to visit, to learn something new and find out more about the rich waters off our coast.”

The Coastal Wardens aim to offer experiences to schools, individuals and passers-by.

The Worthing Coastal Office is open from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week.

Visitors can pop in, but for talks and to ensure a member of staff is around, it is best to book:

by calling 01903 238 977
or emailing coastal.office@adur-worthing.gov.uk

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