India’s First Oceanarium To Come Up In Kochi
As part of promoting ‘fisheries tourism’, the Kerala Government has initiated a proposal to set up a Rs 350 crore Oceanarium (a simulated ocean) to allow people and researchers to view and study marine species in their simulated natural habitat.
For instance, visitors would be able to get a feel of walking on the sea bed getting a clear view of the spectacular water world. The main tank is planned to reflect the various aspects of the world beneath the ocean, with reef, rock and weed structures to help reproduce the natural habitat for the marine species.
The oceanarium will also have a tie up with Indian Universities and Marine Biological Research Centre in order to undertake marine research projects in collaboration with similar centres abroad and facilitate local research centre with opportunities to do live research projects in Marine biology and biotechnology.
The proposed project, to be set up on a public-private partnership model will be spread over 50 acres at Puthuvypeen in Ernakulam District, and is expected to be launched by 2010 according to Kerala minister for fisheries, S Sarma. [Via]
