Oregon Coast Aquarium One of State's Best Attractions

"Sharks are not mean and that is a myth that we always try to dispel."- Cindy Hanson, Oregon Coast Aquarium

Photos and video by: Tim King

(NEWPORT, Ore.) - The waters of the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport are tranquil and blue, 1.3 million gallons of water provide a habitat for fish and sea life like marine mammals and many species of birds, while fascinating hundreds of thousands of people who come here each year.

Aquarium spokesperson Cindy Hanson says the facility celebrating it's 15th year is one of the state's most vibrant destinations, "It is one of the Oregon Coast's biggest attractions, one of Oregon's biggest attractions, there are people who come here from all over the world to see the aquarium so it's definitely a draw for everyone and it's right here in our own backyard and we would really like to encourage Oregonians to come and rediscover their aquarium."

This seemingly endless ocean environment is one of Oregon's most prized possessions and was named among the top ten world class aquariums by Coastal Living and USA Today. Cindy told me that most people have a favorite at the aquarium, in her case it is different species of Rock fish. New research based information is allowing a broader understanding of this fish and problems the species is likely to face in the future.

Cindy says education is one of the key points. Not only do they accommodate children through field trips and family visits, they also let kids make a night of it, "We have sleepovers once or twice a month, more often in the tourist season." She says there are always plenty of opportunities for kids to sign up.

At the Oregon Coast Aquarium, three ocean habitats are connected by a 200 foot underwater tunnel, in Passages of the Deep, where one of the most popular exhibits, the sharks, swim alongside other species.

While some shark attack victims may beg to differ, Cindy Hanson says the notion of the rogue maneaters being dangerous is blown way out of proportion, "They're not mean. Sharks are not mean and that is a myth that we always try to dispel when people come and do sleepovers and shark encounters."

She says it is just more horrendous when you hear about shark bites, "So, it makes the news, but the truth is they're not that interested in human beings." She says that knowledge is especially comforting for the divers who feed them every day and go in their tanks.

One popular attraction, the marine mammal display, allows Aquarium guests to see seals, sea lions and otters during their favorite part of the day: mealtime. Many are Oregon's indigenous animals, and while it isn't their native habitat, it is close in more ways than one.

Cindy Hanson says there are important messages they hope people take back to their communities after visiting the Aquarium, "What I would like people to leave with when they visit the Aquarium is a sense of wonder at the incredible mystery in our oceans and our marine environment and how important it is that we keep it clean and habitable for our creatures. Conservation and education is our message and we want people to really connect with these animals and critters and have a sense of ownership and responsibility for their continued survival."

She says marine biology and ocean conservation have emerged significantly in recent years but that in the end, the health of Oregon's environment depends largely on the treatment it receives from the public and the state legislature. Laws that protect beaches and coastlines and waters and conscientious residents can keep the balance and in many cases, reverse it back to manageable levels.

Visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium's Website at: aquarium.org