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Pampering our sea creatures

Ever since the 1930s the Aquarium, or the "Palacio del Mar" as it was called then, has been involved in activities associated with marine biology research. Over this nearly 80-year history, prestigious scientists have always worked in the Aquarium laboratories on projects connected with marine conservation.

This activity was given a shot in the arm in 1998 when construction was done to enlarge and update the facilities. The Aquarium now boasts modern spacious areas dedicated researching different marine species and providing them with the care they need. A team of eight people, led by Amalia Martínez de Murguía, makes sure that the habitats of the plants and animals living in the different tanks are in perfect condition.

This department is also dedicated to the conservation of a variety of marine species and conducting research projects. "Our goal is to be self-sufficient so that we don't have to rely on capturing animals from the wild, explains Martínez de Murguía. She and the other seven scientists on the team work to continually improve the living conditions of the species on display at the Aquarium.

The Department of Biology also works in collaboration with other organizations, such as AZTI, in developing different conservation and research programmes . In addition, the Aquarium joins forces with other European aquariums involved in research projects focusing on the conservation of species in danger of extinction such as seahorses and turtles.