Press Releases & Statements

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk will empower more than 100 local teens to lead new efforts to remove and reduce marine debris from Long Island Sound and its tributaries, thanks to a $144,440 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).  In addition, The Maritime Aquarium will use a separate $49,607 IMLS grant to make its virtual... Read More

NORWALK, CT  –  Cheer on the harbor seals of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk as they explore an enormous new habitat that, upon its June 8 opening, becomes the Aquarium’s largest aquatic display.  The 160,000-gallon seal exhibit – as well as a 4D movie theater and redesigned main entrance, which both opened in January – are the largest transformations in The Maritime Aquarium’s 33-year history.  Guests will be able to watch from above and... Read More

NORWALK, CT  –  With the June 8 opening of “Pinniped Cove,” the harbor seals in The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk now have an enormous, state-of-the-art habitat – and enhanced quality care. The Maritime Aquarium displays five female harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), the species of seal that commonly migrate into Long Island Sound each winter. Their new home is a 160,000-gallon habitat that is 22 feet deep at its deepest point. It’s more than eight times... Read More

"PINNIPED COVE” QUICK FACTS  •  The exhibit is home to five harbor seals:  Ariel (age 31), Leila (33), Polly (34), Rasal (36) and Tillie (35).  •  The exhibit holds 160,000 gallons of water, and is 22 feet deep at its deepest.  •  It’s the largest aquatic display in The Maritime Aquarium’s 33-year history.   •  “Pinniped Cove” is named for the scientific grouping pinnipedia that... Read More

NORWALK, CT  –  The opening of “Pinniped Cove,” the new home for the harbor seals of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, represents a transformative moment for everyone.  For the five harbor seals that have resided at the Aquarium for decades, “Pinniped Cove” offers 160,000 gallons of water – eight times the size of their original habitat – and depths of 22 feet... Read More

“PINNIPED COVE” PROJECT PARTNERS  State of Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont Department of Transportation WSP   City of Norwalk  Common Council  Mayor Harry Rilling  Construction Solutions Group           (Owner’s Representative)    Design Team  Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners LLP   Jaffe Holden – Acoustics / AV  ... Read More

NORWALK, CT  –  The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is seeking divers who will willingly and regularly volunteer to plunge in among its 7- to 9-foot sharks.  The Aquarium is recruiting experienced scuba divers to join its Volunteer Dive Team to help make public educational presentations from inside the 110,000-gallon “shark tank,” home to six sand tiger... Read More

As leading aquariums from around the United States committed to reducing the sources of plastic pollution that are harming our ocean and freshwater environments, we applaud the introduction of the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act. We support the Act’s comprehensive approach to helping stem the tide of plastic pollution across the country and around the world — particularly in mountain streams, the Great Lakes, rivers, and bays, as well as our ocean waters. Research... Read More

The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced today that The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is among 30 finalists for the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The Maritime Aquarium is the only aquarium in the U.S.selected as a finalist this year, and one of only two institutions – along with the Ferguson Library in Stamford – named in Connecticut. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor... Read More

NORWALK, CT  –  As state-mandated capacity restrictions are lifted on Fri., March 19, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is ready with special COVID-19 protocols to welcome in additional guests.  President and CEO Jason Patlis said special measures have been added and refined since the Aquarium’s reopening in June under Gov.... Read More