Politics & Government

Malloy, Moccia Celebrate Maritime Aquarium's 25th Anniversary

Gov. Dannel Malloy and Norwalk Mayor Richard Moccia spoke at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the aquarium's 25th anniversary.

Moccia started off the ceremony by declaring July 16 Maritime Aquarium Founder's Day in Norwalk.

"The city proudly extends its congratulations to the Maritime Aquarium and its staff and volunteers for their outstanding efforts ... to promote research, education and preservation of our rich water resources," Moccia said. 

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Malloy then spoke about how the educational resources of the aquarium are helping children to get interested in science, but went on to focus on the financial side of what the Maritime is doing for Norwalk and Connecticut.

"This institution last year had about 460,000 visitors. That was the highest number it had had since 2007. We are on a very good trajectory for additional visitors this year. Put that all together, that represents about $40 million in economic activity in Norwalk as a result of this institution being here," Malloy said.

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Malloy also talked about how promoting institutions, such as the Maritime, has led to economic growth in the state.

"When I became governor, we were only spending $1 a year promoting the state. And when I became governor we took that budget to $15 million a year," Malloy said. "[Leisure, hospitality and culture] has been over the last year the fastest growing industry in Connecticut."

Malloy concluded by thanking the Maritime Aquarium for its efforts.

"Thank you for everything you're doing for the children of our state as well as the parents and grandparents," Malloy said.

Jennifer Herring, president of the Maritime Aquarium, then spoke about how the Long Island Sound has been turned around in the last 25 years.

"Conservation organizations like the Long Island Sound Study and the Soundkeeper were in their infancies. We were reading about massive fish kills in the Sound because the pollution was so bad, and now we have a sound that's much healthier, a sound that we can actually swim in," Herring said.

She added that the Maritime is still working to do more.

"Our work isn't done, but the Maritime Aquarium has been a vital part of introducing people to why this is an estuary of national significance and why it's such an important place to take care of and keep healthy," Herring said.

To wrap up the speaking portion of the celebration, a lively seal named Sandy was brought out.

John Durso, 88, began volunteering at the aquarium in 1987. He said Tuesday's celebration was "great."

"It was fun," Durso said. "First real big celebration we've had."

Durso said the length of time he's been volunteering there shows how much he appreciates the Maritime Aquarium.

"I've been here for 25 years, I love it," Durso said. "I wouldn't be here otherwise."

The aquarium first opened on July 16, 1988, as the Maritime Center at Norwalk, featuring native sharks, harbor seals and a variety of fish, mollusks and crabs. An IMAX movie theater was also added onto the original building.

In 1996, it became the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk to reflect its focus on marine education and conservation. A river otter exhibit was added as well. 

The jellyfish exhibit was added in 1997 and the sea turtles arrived in 2001.

The Maritime Aquarium also opened its Environmental Education Center in 2001 and was refurbished in 2012.


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