So many of our beaches are simply stunning, but it’s crucial that you dispose of any rubbish or unwanted items responsibly, in order to reduce the impact of plastic pollution and unsightly bits of litter.

What is plastic pollution?

Plastic pollution is probably one of the world’s biggest issues right now, with the huge production of disposable plastic items happening faster that we can get rid of them. Half of all plastic ever manufactured has been made in the last 20 years alone, with production expected to double in the next 25 years or so.

While plastic plays an incredibly important role in our lives now, the use of single-use plastics in particular is detrimental to the environment. These discarded plastic items end up in our world’s oceans, with some plastics taking hundreds of years to break down. This can have a huge impact on marine life, from birds and turtles to fish and aquatic mammals like dolphins and whales. Plastic in the ocean can cause issues like entanglement and starvation.

What’s more, microplastics are becoming a problem too. These incredibly small pieces have been found everywhere in the world, from the top of Mount Everest to the deepest trenches of the ocean. Microplastics have been found in the likes of fish and crustaceans, and even us humans too.

What is a beach clean?

With that in mind, taking part in a beach clean can make a huge difference in reducing the amount of rubbish and plastic that ends up in our waters. A beach clean is a volunteering opportunity to clean up the coastline, keeping the beaches and oceans safe from harmful waste.

 There are organised beach cleans up and down the country, as well as the Great British Beach Clean taking place in September every year. You can take part in organised beach cleans by getting in touch with the likes of the Marine Conservation Society, National Trust or Surfers Against Sewage.

As well as organised cleans, you can also choose to set up your own. Everyone can take part in a beach clean, including children, so long as you are safe and wear the right clothing.

How to recycle at the beach

If you do visit your local beach and want to make sure you’re acting responsibly when it comes to looking after the area, here’s a few things you could consider:

• Look out for bins and save your rubbish until you can find one to dispose of it properly
• Take reusable bottles and bags, so that you can reduce single-use plastic across the beach
• Avoid food with wrappers, especially wrappers that might easily fly away in the coastal breeze, as it could end up in the ocean
• Don’t smoke on the beach, as cigarette butts are not biodegradable and could harm wildlife
• Make sure you take your inflatables home with you, even if they have popped and are no longer of use

The importance of taking care of your local beach

Making small changes and being more aware of the materials you’re using, as well as your habits, can make a huge difference to the flourishing wildlife and health of our oceans. By looking after your local beach and making the effort, you can contribute to the conservation of our world’s animals. This can include:

• Protecting marine animals, especially from being entangled in plastic or mistaking it for food
• Preserving natural environments, and making sure any wildlife along the beach and waters can live a natural life
• Removing toxins from the ocean, by ensuring less plastic and other rubbish ends up in the water

Simple ways to help the environment at home

When at home, there are a number of ways you can help the environment, even if they seem small. Recycling more effectively can make a big difference, and it’s as simple as separating out your rubbish and putting it in the right bins.

Reusable items can also help, as it can contribute to less production of new materials and resources, which are finite. This is the same as trying to reduce your energy and water usage.

Finally, you might want to try walking, cycling or using public transport where you can instead of the car. This can help to reduce the number of carbon emissions in the environment.

Find out more here!

Want to get involved in taking care of your local beach? Our downloadable Beach Clean Guide is here, giving you all the insights and tips you need when it comes to looking after your local coastline.

Learn more about Bristol Aquarium’s conservation efforts today, or book your tickets to come and see our wonderful aquatic animals for yourself!

From World Wildlife Day to Global Recycling Day, these are the national animal or national environmental days you should put in your calendar.

January

Energy Savers Week

Energy Savers Week usually occurs around the middle of January, and is designed to help you be a little more energy efficient. It comes from a partnership with Energy Saving Trust and Citizens Advice, delivering helpful advice to save energy while keeping warm.

This is such an important week to be more aware of how much energy you’re using and the impact it could be having on the environment. By making just a few little changes, you could really make a difference to your carbon footprint. What’s more, with energy costs rising, it’s never been handier to learn how to manage energy bills more efficiently!

February

World Wetlands Day

Every year on the 2^nd February, World Wetlands Day takes place. This is a day dedicated to the appreciation and understanding of wetland environments, which play a vital role in our ecosystems. Wetlands typically include marshes, swamps and floodplains that are essential for absorbing excess rainfall and generally providing a natural buffer against climate change.

Wetlands are also home to a multitude of wildlife, enhancing the importance of looking after our world’s wetlands and preserving this particular ecosystem. There are a number of things you can do to help the world’s flora and fauna, including planting new shrubs and tree, reducing your energy usage and recycle your rubbish.

March

Global Recycling Day

Global Recycling Day occurs every year on the 18^th March, encouraging us to be more proactive when it comes to recycling or even reusing our used materials. The day was first introduced in 2018 to ask people across the world to make a bigger effort to recycle.

Creating an environmentally stable and greener planet is at the forefront of many people’s minds, with climate change continuing to have a huge impact on the world’s wildlife and ecosystems. Being more aware of what and how you can recycle can be a positive step forward to achieving a more sustainable world.

Spring equinox

It’s the first day of spring every year on 20^th March, signalling a new beginning when it comes to longer days and new life, including plants, insects and other wildlife. It’s the perfect time to get out and explore your local area, and gain a newfound appreciation for nature.

When it comes to celebrating the spring equinox, there’s plenty you can do, such as taking part in some spring cleaning or recycling unwanted items. It’s also the perfect time to learn how you can help local wildlife.

April

Community garden week

At the beginning of the month, community garden week celebrates the community and school gardens across the country. Not only does this highlight the beauty of revitalising urban areas with greenery and flowers, but it also plays a role in making areas more environmentally-friendly too. Planting flowers and other such actions can be crucial for bees and birds, and doing this in an otherwise built-up area can be really important for sustaining local wildlife.

World Penguin Day  

Every year on 25^th April, it’s time to celebrate and learn more about penguins! These distinctive birds are incredibly adapted to aquatic life, and World Penguin Day marks the start of the Adélie penguins’ migration journey.

Many species of penguin have been identified as vulnerable or endangered by the IUCN, and as many penguins spend the majority of their lives out at sea, it’s important that we are aware of the threats to this animal including overfishing and plastic pollution.

Save the Frogs Day

28^th April is otherwise known as Save the Frogs Day.  Almost a third of amphibian species are threatened around the world, and this day of awareness is designed to encourage people to be more mindful of how we can protect and preserve the future of these incredible creatures. Here at Bristol Aquarium we have successfully bred our own endangered frogs in our own conservation efforts. Come and see our poison dart frogs at our Edge of the Rainforest exhibit.

May

World Turtle Day

Every year on the 23^rd May is World Turtle Day! It was first launched in 2000 and recognises some of the ways in which people can help to look after their habitats and preserve their resources. This yearly observance is important as it raises awareness on the disappearing habitats of both turtles and tortoises, as many species are under threat.

There’s a whole host of things you can do to help slow down climate change and reduce the impact on the turtles’ habitat. This can include reducing your plastic usage, as well as eating more local produce. You could also change the way you travel, by taking public transport more often, or walking and cycling.

June

Garden wildlife week

Typically occurring during the first week of June, garden wildlife week serves as an opportunity to celebrate these ecosystems and helping our gardens to flourish. One of the key themes during this week is biodiversity, with the purpose of the week to encourage people to get outdoors and help nature.

Why not try making your own bird feeder to offer a source of food for your local birds, or recycle rubbish from around the house to make a bug hotel?

World Environment Day

Sponsored by the United Nations, World Environment Day falls on 5^th June every year with a varying theme to help people focus on different elements of the environment. The aim of World Environment Day is to encourage action to protect ecosystems around the world. It’s been held annually since the 1970s, and typically urges people to beat plastic pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

World Ocean Day

Every year on 8^th June, World Ocean Day serves to raise awareness of the threats to our blue planet. The movement aims to persuade leader and legislators to accelerate the move towards renewable energy, phasing out single use plastics and making a bigger effort to protect and restore the ecosystems that occur in our world’s oceans.

It’s the perfect opportunity to do your bit for the world’s oceans, from conserving water to using less energy.

July

National Marine Week

Sponsored by The Wildlife Trusts, National Marine Week aims to help people learn more about our seas and just how much we owe to our world’s marine environments. Not only do marine areas have a huge impact on the environment as a whole, but they are key to tackling climate change too.

National Marine Week occurs towards the end of July, and encourages people to get involved in activities like beach cleans, conserve water and use less plastic.

September

Great British Beach Clean

Occurring towards the end of September,  the Great British Beach Clean is designed to help people get actively involved in a beach clean in their local area. Not only does this help to look after local wildlife, but it can help to campaign for change too. You can either get involved in an event near you, or organise your own beach clean!

The data collected from beach clean events can be vital in helping organisations drive positive change up and down the country.   

October

World Habitat Day

Another one organised by the United Nations, World Habitat Day falls on the first Monday of October every year. This gives people the opportunity to reflect on the state of the world’s habitats. While in some cases the event has focused on human habitats, there’s no reason why we can’t also pay attention to the habitats of animals, most of which are at risk thanks to climate change and pollution.

Reptile Awareness Day

When it comes to animal welfare, reptiles are usually the forgotten species. On 21^st October every year, it’s reptile awareness day to raise awareness of the incredible families of reptiles. This is a perfect opportunity to learn more about reptiles and what you can do to help protect the vast number of species, whether it’s being more aware of the threats to their habitats or something else!

Recycle Week

Recycle Week happens towards the end of October, with each year focusing on a specific angle when it comes to better recycling habits. The week has been going for over 20 years, inspiring people to take even more action when it comes to recycling and reusing household items. Some of the UK’s biggest brands regularly get involved, including supermarkets.

November

Oceans of Plastic Day

Oceans of Plastic Day is an annual event every November, shining the spotlight on the harmful impact of plastic pollution of marine life and ecosystems. It’s a time to reflect and make sure that you’re doing your part to reduce plastic use and waste, from using reusable materials. It’s a vital awareness day to help preserve the future of our world’s oceans and the animals that call it home.

December

International Volunteer Day

Every year on 5^th December the United Nations promotes International Volunteer Day, highlighting just how much better the world would be if more people volunteered to help solve the planet’s problems, whether that be economic or environmental. It’s a great opportunity to reflect and understand more about how you could volunteer in your local area, from helping wildlife to picking up litter.

When it comes to conservation, the team here at Bristol Aquarium are passionate about helping the future of the world’s waters and the animals that depend on them. To find out more about how we get involved in conservation and how you can help us, book your tickets and visit us!

There are loads of different areas of conservation, but they all have the same goal in mind – preserving as much of Earth’s natural resources as possible.

So, what is conservation?

We tend to take a lot of Earth’s natural resources for granted – it’s easy to think that because something has always been there, that it always will be. But the world is delicately balanced, and all our actions impact our surroundings and the Earth’s resources in different ways. Unfortunately, protecting and preserving these resources hasn’t always been at the forefront of everyone’s minds – particularly if there’s a chance to make a little profit.

However, there are an increasing number of individuals, groups, organisations and collectives that are actively fighting against the damage caused and the loss of natural resources. And, this is conservation – the proactive approach to conserving the Earth’s natural resources.

There are a number of different types of conservation, typically related to one or more of the different groupings of the Earth’s natural resources – air, minerals, plants, soil, water, and wildlife. Conservation groups and activists aim to ensure these resources survive long enough for future generations to experience and enjoy.

There are many different forms of conservation action – from political lobbying to captivity breeding programmes. These can be used to overturn potentially harmful laws, or protect an endangered species from going extinct. All forms of conservation are equally important, as they contribute to the Earth’s delicate ecosystem.

Why is it so important that kids learn about conservation?

Whilst we have a long way to go to get our conservation efforts to the level required, there’s loads of information and guidance out there. However, perhaps even more important than teaching ourselves about conservation, we’ve got to make sure that the next generation is armed with everything they need to know about conservation and taking care of the planet.

That’s why we’ve put together our top tips for teaching kids about conservation, here:

There are loads more things you can do with or without the kids, too. We’ve put together a few guides in the past that are brilliant for helping you make your own little difference to the world. Check them out here:

• How to reduce your carbon footprint
• Going ‘Zero Waste’ – reduce, reuse, recycle

What is wildlife conservation?

This is one of the areas of conservation we’re well-versed in here at Bristol Aquarium, and something we’re incredibly passionate about. Wildlife numbers are constantly at threat from over-farming, climate change and habitat loss – and, as such, some species come perilously close to coming extinct.

Like many wildlife-focused conservation efforts, we believe in the important role that captive breeding plays in conserving at-risk species. If an animal’s natural habitat has been interrupted and damaged to the extent that their survival is in doubt, it is vital that an intervention is staged to immediately secure the future of the species, and then plans to repopulate the wild are put in place.

Species of hamster, beaver, stork and lynx are just a few examples of animals which have come super close to going extinct, only for a conservation effort to salvage their numbers and reintegrate them into the wild.

The long-term goal of any wildlife conservation effort is to bring animals back to the habitat in which they thrived, and protect both the beast and the habitat.

And, if you’d like to see captive breeding in action, why not pay us a visit at Bristol Aquarium, where you’ll be able to see the animals thriving, and speak to our team of friendly and knowledgeable experts.

Changing Perceptions

Fintastic Friday was created out of the recognition that sharks are often demonized, misunderstood, and underappreciated. This annual event celebrates sharks and encourages people to transform public opinion from hatred to love and from fear to appreciation. By educating and engaging people, Fintastic Friday strives to cultivate a deeper understanding of the importance of sharks in our world’s delicate ecosystems.

Sharks face a grave threat to their existence. It is estimated that as many as 100 million sharks are killed yearly. Overfishing, bycatch, finning, and habitat degradation are among the primary culprits behind this alarming trend.

The Importance of Sharks

Contrary to popular belief, sharks play a vital role in maintaining the health and balance of marine ecosystems. As apex predators, they help regulate the populations of other marine species, ensuring ecological stability. Their presence is critical for maintaining the overall health of coral reefs and the oceanic food chain. Removing sharks from the equation can have far-reaching consequences, disrupting the delicate balance of our oceans.

Advocacy and Conservation

By raising awareness about the challenges faced by sharks, this initiative encourages individuals to take action. From organizing educational events to supporting conservation organizations, there are numerous ways to contribute to the protection of sharks.

Fintastic Friday is an initiative that strives to change public perception and promote the protection of sharks. With the decline in shark populations due to human activities, it is our responsibility to take action, raise awareness, and work toward a future where sharks are valued and protected.

Together, we can help these remarkable creatures survival and our oceans’ health for generations to come.

Remember, every day can be Fintastic Friday when we choose to appreciate and protect sharks!

At Bristol Aquarium, we have 7 different species of sharks. Book your tickets here to come and meet them face to fin!

Learn about some of the features and behaviors that make these creatures so strange, as well as the challenges they face in todays ever threatened marine environment. Filmed in-house around our very own seahorse tanks, with production, editing, and narration all done by one of our Guest Experience Assistants and amateur filmmaker Billy Tonkin.

The Zoological team have been busy transforming an unused corner of the Aquarium into the perfect habitat for these smiley looking Salamanders.

Josh Dance, Aquarist at Bristol Aquarium said: “This group of Axolotls are a great addition to Bristol aquarium. They have a unique life history and there are lots of fascinating facts to learn about.”

Axolotls are only found in one lake in the whole world, Lake Xochimilco, on the outskirts of Mexico City. This lake is at risk from pollution and habitat loss due to increasing urbanisation nearby and invasive fish that outcompete them for food and sadly feed on their young.

Sadly, it is thought that there are now less than 1,000 Axolotls in the wild and they are considered ‘Critically Endangered’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

When most salamander species mature into adults they metamorphosise from ‘tadpoles’ into terrestrial land creatures. Axolotls don’t do this! They are obligate neotenes. This means that when they mature into adults they keep their juvenile characteristics.

Axolotls remain fully aquatic their whole life, keeping their fluffy looking external gills and living underwater! Axolotls are usually a brown colour but can also be albino and a few variations in between.

You can find our new Axolotl exhibit on the upper floor next to their amphibian relatives, the poison dart frogs, in our Edge of the Rainforest Zone.

Bristol Aquarium is made up of seven themed zones and is home to thousands of aquatic creatures, located on Bristol’s harbourside, right in the heart of the city.

Come and visit us at Bristol Aquarium, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5TT.

We are open 10am daily (everyday except Christmas Day).

Call 0117 929 8929, and browse our website or find us on Facebook for details.

Day-to-Day Changes

1. Cut Out Single-Use Plastic

Single-use plastics are a blight on our natural world, damaging precious ecosystems and impacting marine life across the food chain. And while the world is slowly waking up to the realities of these damaging plastics, there’s still more to do.
Committing to cutting out single-use plastic is one of the best things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. And it’s easier than you think, with more plastic-free products out there than ever before.

2. Recycle, Recycle, Recycle

Of course, plastic can’t be avoided altogether, and in many cases it’s better than the alternatives. But with that comes the absolute need for household recycling; a little effort from everyone could make all the difference in our fight against plastic reaching landfill.
Local councils in the UK do an excellent job of encouraging recycling; they also couldn’t make it any easier. With dedicated bins and free food waste bags, recycling is easier than ever – so we should all do our bit to break the cycle.

3. Get Yourself a Reusable Cup

Regular commuter? Then you’ll know all too well the number of single-use items you can go through day-to-day. From food packages and water bottles to the dreaded coffee cup; it’s easy to accumulate large amounts of plastic and waste when you’re on the move, but there is a solution.
A reusable cup, water bottle and lunch box can help save hundreds of single-use plastics from going to landfill, so it’s well worth investing if you’re conscious of how much plastic you get through during the working week.

Food Changes

4. Eat Less Meat

We’re not ones to point the finger at meat-eaters, but it’s now a truth universally acknowledged that we could do to slow down on our meat consumption. The meat industry is one of the world’s biggest polluters, so making the decision to cut meat from your diet, even if it’s just for a couple of days a week, could make all the difference.
If you think you’d struggle to live without meat, try to add some variety to the mix. Beef, chicken and pork are the three main types of meat consumed in the UK, and this puts immense strain on the production of just three types of animals. Instead, talk to your local butcher about different cuts, so your impact is reduced and you try something new.

5. Buy Local

Whether you’re a meat-lover, a vegetarian or a vegan, the truth is that a lot of our food travels a long way to reach our plates, meaning it racks up its own carbon footprint just to get to our bellies. Big supermarkets are partly responsible for this, as part of their relentless pursuit to price competitively.
That’s why, by committing to buying local, seasonal produce, you can dramatically reduce the amount of energy and resources it takes to feed you and your family. From farmers markets to allotment cooperatives, there are lots of ways to get your hands on homegrown local produce, and we promise it will be well worth the effort.

6. Reduce Food Waste

A lot of the food we buy ends up in the bin, meaning that all that energy, time and resource spent cultivating and getting it to our kitchen cupboards was wasted. Indeed, food waste accounts for a huge proportion of carbon emissions from UK households, so it’s important to avoid throwing food out where you can.
There are lots of easy ways to reduce household food waste. For starters, only buy the food you know you’re going to eat; this can be achieved through careful meal planning. You should also make use of leftovers, or freeze them for later. Basic changes like these might sound simple to some, but they’re worth remembering.

Home Changes

7. Turn Down that Thermostat

It’s amazing what difference a couple of degrees makes. Say you regularly turn your thermostat up to 22°C; turning it down to 20°C will not only save you a shedload of cash, but it will save huge amounts of energy, ultimately reducing your household carbon emissions.
We know there’s nothing worse than being chilly at home, but by clicking the thermostat down and donning your best woolly jumper, you’ll be surprised at the positive impact this can have.

8. Research Green Energy Initiatives

Thousands of homes across the UK aren’t equipped with the appropriate insulation, meaning that millions of tonnes of energy are wasted each year in heat loss. Thankfully, the government knows this, and has a range of initiatives to help households bolster their home’s insulation and, ultimately, waste less energy.
A quick search of green energy initiatives in your local area, and you’ll be well on your way to getting your home properly insulated by the government, often for free. Give it a try and see what kind of help you can get.

9. Fit a Low-Pressure Shower Head

We all like a shower, but did you know that they’re responsible for more wasted water than any other household appliance? The good news is, there are ways to cut down on how much water you use while showering – without physically avoiding having a shower altogether.
Modern shower heads are built to use less water while still delivering decent enough water pressure for you to clean those luscious locks. If your shower head is a little old, upgrading it could make all the difference in how much water you use while showering. Failing that, make that 10-minute shower more of a 5-minute shower.

Travel Changes

10. Drive Less

Easier said than done, we know, but driving remains a major contributor to carbon emissions, so much so that the government plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
It could be said that we take driving for granted here in the UK, with many of us reaching for the car keys without thinking about it. But, some trips could easily be completed on foot, by bike, or, dare we say, via public transport – all of which could help to reduce your carbon footprint in the long term.

11. Maintain Your Car

We know lots of people rely on their car to get from A to B, and that using it less is just out of the question. In this case, it’s important to stay on top of your car’s maintenance and upkeep; there are lots of regular checks you can do that will help reduce your car’s environmental impact and make each journey more ecological.
First, always make sure the tyres are inflated to the right pressure, so that the car can run as efficiently as possible. You should also avoid using air conditioning, as this wastes fuel. Stick to speed limits too; they’re in place for more than just safety, helping to limit pollution and maintain air quality.

12. Combine Trips

As touched on earlier, driving is second nature and it’s easy to use your car for everything. But, quick trips and errands are what have the biggest impact. That’s because your car isn’t running as efficiently as it would on a longer journey, meaning it burns more fuel and releases more harmful emissions.
If you’re having what we like to call an odd-jobs day, try to combine trips out in the car so you get all your jobs done in one journey. This will help reduce the impact of all those quick trips.

What We’re Doing to Reduce Our Carbon Footprint at Bristol Aquarium

At Bristol Aquarium, we are hugely passionate about conservation and caring for the natural world. As individuals and a collective, we have made conscientious decisions and changes to our day-to-day lives to help reduce our carbon footprint. Here are just a few of the things we are doing to help the environment.
We are regularly in contact with our suppliers with a view to reducing the volume of plastic used. It is always our intention to use suppliers who are able to support our business goals and also subscribe to our environmental policies. This extends throughout our business, but is perhaps most pertinent in our café and gift shop, where we are continuing our efforts to reduce the volume of plastic packaging and products.
Recycling is one of the pillars of our carbon footprint reduction drive – with extensive effort to limit waste sent to landfill and actively recycle as much waste as possible. We work closely with an eco-friendly sanitary collection provider to remove waste from our site in the greenest possible manner.
And, perhaps most importantly, we organise and produce displays and events which raise awareness of the importance of caring for the planet. By providing clear, usable information and guidance, we hope a trip to Bristol Aquarium can inspire visitors to make their own life choices which will help reduce their carbon footprint.
We hope this guide gets you thinking about all the simple ways you can reduce your carbon footprint. For more from Bristol Aquarium, or to find out more about our brilliant aquarium, visit the homepage today.

• What is Captive Breeding?
• How Can Captive Breeding Help Marine Conservation?
• Captive Breeding Success Stories
• How Does Captive Breeding Work?

What is Captive Breeding?

Captive breeding is the process of breeding animals within a controlled environment, as opposed to their natural setting in the wild. Many zoos, aquariums and conservation facilities use captive breeding as a means of preserving species while easing pressure on wild populations.
Breeding animals successfully in a captive setting is a painstaking process, requiring an expert understanding of responsible animal propagation. And it doesn’t end with the birth of a new animal; captive breeding also entails ensuring that animals are given the right environment in which to raise their young successfully, with a view to seeing a new generation of the same species through to maturity.
Despite the costs and efforts involved, captive breeding is viewed as an essential process to preserve struggling species.

How Can Captive Breeding Help Marine Conservation?

Captive breeding, when carried out ethically and responsibly, offers a range of benefits which can bolster ongoing methods of species conservation. At Bristol Aquarium, breeding marine animals is an important part of our philosophy, and we believe it can assist with the conservation of rare and endangered species.
Here, we explore some of the ways captive breeding can help marine conservation.
Safeguard the Long-Term Future of Endangered Species
Where rare and endangered fish are dwindling in the wild, captive breeding goes some way towards safeguarding numbers – ensuring that vulnerable species are saved from extinction. While captive breeding doesn’t tackle the endemic causes of animal endangerment, it is viewed as a valuable means of conservation in cases where species numbers are dropping at an uncontrolled rate.
Helps Spread Awareness and Understanding
Captive breeding allows aquariums to showcase the value and beauty of rare and endangered marine life – ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to gain an understanding of these beautiful animals. It can also help spread awareness of other conservation practices, encouraging action against harmful human activities which pose a threat to endangered marine species.

Healthier Fish and Animals
An unexpected benefit of captive breeding that few are aware of is the notable improvements in animal health which the practice can help foster. In the case of captive breeding in aquariums, for example, fish are already accustomed to aquarium-prepared food and the conditions within the tank, which can help with disease prevention. There’s also no risk from long shipment and importation processes, further reducing the likelihood of disease.
Helps Tackle Unscrupulous Fishing Practices
The more fish which can be successfully bred in captivity, the less pressure is placed on precious ecosystems by unscrupulous fishing practices. In parts of the world, specifically in southeast Asia, local fishermen use questionable tactics to ensnare both food stock and aquarium fish. Back in 2016, for example, National Geographic reported a worrying rise in cases of fishermen temporarily paralysing fish with cyanide to make them easier to catch – a practice no responsible aquarium could condone.
By actively seeking to breed fish responsibly in a controlled environment, it helps remove some of the demand for exotic species – and, in turn, the threat of illegal fishing.

Eases Pressure on Wild Populations
In the process of breeding fish in captivity, this ultimately reduces the number of marine animals removed from wild, natural habitats. The knock-on effect this can have is profound, and many aquariums are now committed to captive breeding programmes as a means of reducing the impact of removing fish from ocean ecosystems. 

Captive Breeding Success Stories

At Bristol Aquarium, captive breeding is very much a part of our philosophy, and we work with our partners across the UK to manage an ethical and responsible breeding programme. Here, we take a look at some of the beautiful marine animals we and our partners have bred in recent years.
Big-Bellied Seahorses
The largest member of the seahorse family, big-bellied seahorses are native to Australia and New Zealand, where they live among algae and seagrasses. They’re ranked as ‘least concern’ on the conservation index.

Pipefish
Pipefish are part of the seahorse family, yet they have a distinctive elongated shape, swimming with their snouts pointed forwards. They’re also a freshwater species, making them a prime candidate for captive breeding (given the number of threats they face in the wild).
Lesser-Spotted Catsharks

Lesser-spotted catsharks are fish within the Scyliorhinidae family. Appearing on the conservation index, these beautiful fish are native to the British Isles, northern Africa and parts of the Mediterranean, where they scour the seabed for their prey.
Phantasmal Poison Dart Frogs
Among the most critically-endangered species we have reared successfully, Phantasmal Poison Dart Frogs are native to the rainforests of Ecuador. Known for their radiant colouring, they are registered as vulnerable on the conservation index.
Moon Jellyfish

The beautiful moon jellyfish is found throughout our oceans, and is among the most common species within UK waters. Approximately the size of a dinner plate, these jellies feed on plankton, and pose no risk to humans in terms of a sting.

How Does Captive Breeding Work?

Captive breeding isn’t simply a case of putting two animals together and hoping for the best. There are a whole range of factors to consider for a breeding programme to be successful, which we look at below:

• Genetic diversity – successful breeding in a captive setting requires a similar genetic diversity to that found in the wild. Inbreeding is one of the biggest problems faced when trying to breed captive wildlife, so genetic diversity is a must to ensure successful breeding and healthy animals. To do this, marine animals are selected from different source populations – ensuring genetic diversity.
• How will it benefit the species? – for responsible breeders, conservation is the key consideration when deciding whether to breed marine animals in captivity. Will doing so bring a benefit, either in easing pressure on wild populations or helping to bolster the numbers of an endangered species?
• Space and environmental considerations – as we mentioned earlier, captive breeding doesn’t end when young are released from the egg. The process is designed to see animals raised to full maturity, so it’s vital that aquariums create the right environment for this to occur as naturally as possible in a captive setting.

So, there you have it, our comprehensive guide to captive breeding and why it can be valuable in helping to conserve marine life. If you’d like to learn more about captive breeding, specifically the programme here at Bristol Aquarium, visit the homepage or give our friendly team a call today on 0117 929 8929.

In the wild the phantasmal gets its toxin from their diet, eating poisonous ants and insects. In an Aquarium setting however they are fed cultured live foods which do not carry toxins, interestingly therefore, captive bred frogs don’t carry toxins.
Josh Dance, Aquarist at Bristol Aquarium said: “Watching these tiny tadpoles grow has been fascinating. A clutch of eggs is laid on a flat leaf and the males will watch over the growing embryos until they are ready to hatch, at which point they carry them on their backs down to a body of water. This is where the tadpoles will slowly develop into tiny frogs.

 
“Many have begun growing legs now so it won’t be long until they are fully developed and will be on display for visitors to see!” Josh added.
The phantasmal poison frog is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN because of their decline in numbers in the wild. They are from a small area on the Andean slopes in central Ecuador, and live on the tropical forest floors near to streams and wetlands. Their main threats are pollution of waterways and habitat loss due to agricultural pressure.
Each individual has a different striped pattern similar to a fingerprint. If you listen carefully you can also sometimes hear the males, as they produce calls that resemble the songs of small birds.
The team at Bristol Aquarium work hard to conserve aquatic creatures by taking part in valuable research, teaming with local charities, breeding some species onsite and educating visitors about the importance of conservation and how they can help.
Bristol Aquarium is open 7days per week from 10am. The city centre attraction is home to hundreds of different species from across the globe including sharks, rays, seahorses, pufferfish and more.

During the study, around 50 hours of GoPro footage will be collected over two weeks. The footage will show the marine animals before and after the AFI is installed to find any differences in behaviour.
Bioscience PhD student at Swansea University, Jessica Ware, who is conducting the study said: “I am interested to see whether the various fish species interact with the island and if they change their shoaling behaviour.
“I’m particularly interested in the European Sea Bass because they have been noted using recently installed islands in Swansea Marina and Prince of Wales Dock for shelter and to forage on the attached mussels.
“It can be quite a long process but it’s so rewarding, knowing that the results of this experiment could potentially help support future AFI installations as a habitat creation method.” Jess explained.

Artificial Floating Islands (AFIs), once established, form a localised ecological community for fish, birds and plant species. The hope is that island installations will help reduce the impact of coastal habitat destruction and improve water quality that has deteriorated as a result of human developments.
Bristol Aquarium is home to marine animals from right across the globe; from puffer fish and tropical sharks to seahorses and stingrays. Bristol Aquarium however is also home to those creatures that can be found here in our local UK waters. The city centre attraction is open everyday (except Christmas Day) from 10am, find out more about our opening hours and ticket prices here.
Published: 19/03/2019