UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium on Skidaway Island has installed new custom-made touch tanks to house marine invertebrates. UGA Aquarium is the education branch of UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, units of UGA Office of Public Service and Outreach. The new touch tanks hold about 200 gallons of water, doubling the space dedicated to safely house shelled invertebrates at UGA Aquarium. The expanded exhibit will allow more visitors to engage in hands-on experiences with marine life found along the Georgia coast.
A 20-inch tall tank will hold hermit crabs, spider crabs, whelks and sea stars. A larger, 30-inch tall tank will hold horseshoe crabs. The acrylic tanks rest atop stands skirted with fascia representing sand. My Reef Creations of Lawrenceville, Georgia, custom made the tanks and the filter system, and referenced a UGA sediment study to match the fascia to the exact color and texture of sand found on the Georgia coast.
The new tanks are part of recent improvements to UGA Aquarium’s overall public touch tanks exhibit area, which includes educational information about invertebrate animals commonly seen in coastal waters and on local beaches. Walls surrounding the touch tank are covered with interpretive information and pictures that describe the natural histories of the animals found within the tanks.
Educators will use the space behind the touch tanks during public programs and events, and when school groups visit. The new exhibit will enhance UGA Aquarium’s ability to increase public understanding and awareness for Georgia’s coastal environment, foster respect for the beauty and complexity of these systems, and encourage stewardship of coastal resources.