Area officials must find way to lure Alabama Aquarium

Community leaders must use whatever measures they can to lure The Alabama Aquarium to Auburn.

Talk of a six million-gallon aquarium, which would draw tourists from across the state and South into town, isn’t just a pipe dream. It very much could be a reality and would be a perfect fit for Auburn University’s E.W. Shell Fisheries Center. It was suggested the aquarium, which would give the area another large attraction, be located at the Fisheries Center on North College Street.

Would this be a perfect marriage? An aquarium located at a fisheries center — and be used not only for tourist appeal but also for educational purposes? People know catfish are bony and tasty when fried, but many could learn the intricacies of farming these fish and how important they are to the freshwater seafood industry.

And then there’s tilapia. We see it on the menu at local restaurants. But an educational aquarium could give us a better perspective of where this fish came from and how it has developed into a
popular delicacy.

Alabama, and the South in general, is prime for aquaculture. It’s time this practice becomes appreciated.

Aside from the educational importance The Alabama Aquarium would bring to the area, we cannot say enough how important this would be for the area’s economy. Commercial development and growth is one thing. Bringing visitors into the area is another.

Currently, the area’s top attractions are sporting events at Auburn and golf. Celebrate Alabama, a multi-purpose development and retail center to be constructed in north Opelika along Interstate 85
figures to give the area a financial windfall. Adding an aquarium to the mix would be a bonus.

The nearest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is the world’s largest with eight million gallons in its exhibits. The place is incredible. Could Auburn get away with having another aquarium just 100 miles away?

If its done right, with interactive and educational opportunities, it certainly can. But first, we must lure the aquarium here as it has other statewide options.

We need to convince the folks at The Alabama Aquarium that Auburn is the best location for its future site. They must be sold hook, line and sinker.