Marine Science Center to Close for Renovations

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Posted On: August 9, 2024

Here's some good news for sea turtles, seabirds, and residents! Volusia County's Marine Science Center is about to undergo $4.2 million in renovations and improvements that will bring new marine exhibits and expand areas for public education, staff and volunteers. To accommodate the ambitious project, the center will be closed to the public for about nine months beginning Monday, Sept. 2.

Planned additions include:

• John Crisp Artificial Reef Exhibit, which will educate the public about the benefits of Volusia County's artificial reef program
• A 1,500-square-foot multipurpose education building
• Living shoreline exhibit
• Living reef exhibit
• Working coral lab that will provide coral research opportunities to high school and college students
• Aquarium quarantine deck for new fish that will be added to exhibits

Improvements will be made to the parking area and main building to improve traffic flow.

Funding comes from a Volusia ECHO grant and the American Rescue Plan Act. The public is invited to make donations to enhance the new exhibits and educational activities at www.marinesciencecenter.com/support/adopt.stml.

Annual pass holders will be granted extensions to cover the period the center will be closed to the public.

Throughout the closure, staff will continue to care for the many birds and turtles that are brought to the center for treatment and rehabilitation. They will also schedule off-site programs to educate residents about Volusia County's amazing wildlife and habitats.

Since opening in 2002, the Marine Science Center has cared for more than 27,000 turtles and other reptiles. The Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Facility at the Marine Science Center has received more than 19,000 birds since it opened in 2004.

Get another look at the turtle hospital and explore the bird boardwalk before the temporary closure begins. It's open from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit www.marinesciencecenter.comor call 386-304-5545.