CRETAquarium, along with other European Aquariums, is participating in the Oceanic Whitetip Project, an initiative that aims to inform and raise public awareness about the study and protection of the oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus). The goal of this participation is to enhance environmental awareness and promote scientific knowledge for the benefit of marine biodiversity.

Below you will find the attached announcement from the collaborating Aquariums

Project Oceanic Whitetip Launch Press Release

Embargoed until 00.00 16th May 2025

European Aquariums Unite for Oceanic Sharks

The European Union of Aquariums Curators and the Shark Trust team-up to secure decisive action for the iconic Oceanic Whitetip Shark!

16th May 2025, Madrid. Oceanic Whitetip Sharks were once one of the most abundant sharks in the ocean. Decades of overfishing resulted in marked population declines, with Oceanic Whitetips now listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. This Endangered Species Day sees the launch of a new campaign – Project Oceanic Whitetip – harnessing the collective power of hundreds of thousands of Aquarium visitors across Europe under the banner of Action for Oceanics.

Prized for the very fins they are named for, Oceanic Whitetip Shark populations have reduced by more than 80% in some areas. In response, and as a result of advocacy activities, multiple conservation commitments, including fishing bans and trade restrictions have been adopted by governments across the global ocean.

Yet despite this, Oceanic Whitetips remain under pressure. They continue to fall victim as bycatch in high seas fisheries, are vulnerable to damaging exemptions, and subject to illegal trade. So great is the continued threat, that Oceanic Whitetips have been proposed by Panama for uplisting to Appendix I at the Conference of Parties for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) later this year. A move which would ban international trade in the species altogether. But this alone is not enough.

“Oceanic Whitetips are an iconic ambassador for sharks, but sadly typify the challenges faced by oceanic sharks and rays,” said Ali Hood, Director of Conservation at the Shark Trust. “Their further decline proves protection on paper is simply not enough – it’s essential that governments honour their commitments. It will take International collaboration and concerted action to address overfishing. We can start by leveraging existing management obligations to reduce pressure on these threatened species”.

Galvanised by concern for oceanic sharks and the Oceanic Whitetip in particular, the European Union of Aquarium Curators (EUAC) and the Shark Trust are launching Project Oceanic Whitetip .

“EUAC is proud to partner in this campaign,” said Katy Duke, Treasurer of EUAC. “With 14 Aquarium partners across Europe, we provide an interface for the public and wildlife – like sharks – and a platform from which to promote species in the wider ocean. Launching Project Oceanic Whitetip this Endangered Species Day allows us to galvanise public concern into policy pressure, to call on the European Commission to stand by their commitments and lead the way”.

“As Aquariums we present a snapshot of life underwater. Project Oceanic Whitetip brings the plight of species beyond our collections to our visitors,” said Attila Varga, Zoologist and Curator of Aquarium-Terrarium, Sosto Zoo /Nyíregyházi Állatpark Nonprofit Kft. “We’re excited to be a campaign partner, to see our venue and visitors be part of the future for this incredible species!”

What’s next? Over the next six months Aquariums partners across Europe will harness the support of concerned citizens and visitors alike. Petitioning Member States and the European Commission to take action for oceanics – to take a stand and safeguard the future for this majestic ocean wanderer.

Press contact: Lauren Florisson info@euac.org

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CRETAQUARIUM – THALASSOCOSMOS UPDATE

Keeping up with the motto of Cretaquarium for a 365 days-a-year operation, we inform the dear public that ONLY on Thursday, February 29, 2024, i.e. the 366th day of the year, the Aquarium will be closed to its visitors.

The Aquarium will NOT be open on that day ONLY. Works related to the technical maintenance and daily care of the organisms will be carried out as usual.

We are waiting for you on Friday March 1st and onwards!

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IMBBC leads the Citizen Science activities of the Horizon 2020 project Nautilos (https://www.nautilos-h2020.eu/). Within this framework we have created a project in platform Zooniverse called Marine Creatures (https://www.zooniverse.org/projects/geosar/marine-creatures). The aim of the project is to help us identify the sessile and often unnoticed benthic communities living on hard substrates using high-definition underwater images from artificial reefs, ports and natural sea caves. Morphological characters can be used to identify the taxonomic groups of these sophisticated marine communities. If you would like to participate in this voluntary project and help us please click here (https://www.zooniverse.org/projects/geosar/marine-creatures) and get involved! A Tutorial and a Field Guide are available which will help you tour around the project, act as a Citizen Scientist and learn more about the marine environment.

Contributors: Eva Chatzinikolaou, Vasilis Gerovasileiou, Georgia Sarafidou, Ioannis Rallis, Markos Digenis

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ARRIVAL OF TWO NEW SHARKS AT CRETAQUARIUM

CRETAquarium has the pleasure of welcoming two Sandbar sharks of the “Carcharhinus plumbeus” species. The sharks are young individuals who were born in an aquarium in the South of France.

For their arrival, all the necessary Greek and European protocols were followed, so that their transport and inclusion in the tanks of CRETAquarium can be done safely and with respect to the biorhythms of their species, without disturbing the balance within the tank.

This “arrival” was realized with the practical support of the Region of Crete and is done in the context of continuous renewal, so that our aquarium can continue to promote the Mediterranean marine life and highlight the timeless relationship between man and the marine environment, always following the principles of well-being for every organism we host.

We remind you that CRETAquarium hosts approximately 250 species and 2.500 Mediterranean organisms, which our visitors can enjoy from 100 different observation points, every day from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm.

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As part of the preparation of the largest tank in CRETAquarium, for the reception and accommodation of our two new sharks (Carcharhinus plumbeus), a gradual transfer of the organisms that live in it is taking place.

Therefore, our visitors within these days will not be able to see some of the organisms that were housed in this tank.

The process is designed to give the sharks the time and space they need to go through the necessary adjustment period and establish themselves as the ‘dominant’ organisms in this tank.

Enjoy your visit!!!

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CRETAquarium will be open to the public from today, Thursday 30/09/2021, from 09:30 in the morning until 19:00 in the evening.

The post CRETAQUARIUM OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE ON MONDAY 27TH OF SEPTEMBER appeared first on Aquarium.

We would like to inform our visitors that CRETAquarium will remain closed until further notice for safety reasons due to the earthquakes of the two last days.

The situation will be evaluated daily.

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Concerning the Greek Territory for the period from Monday, November 22, 2021 at 06:00 . Decision Number  5401/20-11-2021

The measures concern Archaeological sites, Museums, indoor monuments and exhibition spaces.

According to the above decision, visitors over the age of 17 are allowed to enter CRETAquarium only with the demonstration of a valid :

A. Vaccination certificate 

B. Recovery Certificate

For minors from 5 to 17 years old, demonstration of a negative self-test.

In order to confirm the details of our visitors, proof of identity must be presented (Identification card, passport, driver’s license)

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After reopening, Cretaquarium has taken the following precautionary measures against the spread of SARS – CoV-2:

• Frequent sterilization of surfaces, floors and equipment.
• Placing of hand sanitizer dispensers and instructions throughout the Aquarium.
• Redesigning of indoor spaces to ensure a 2m distance between visitors.
• Designated entrance / exit areas to avoid overcrowding.
• Use of numbered entry cards to keep the flow of visitors under control, always in accordance with the recommended maximum number of people per square metres.
• Supervising of all aquarium areas by staff members, in order to ensure that measures are kept and avoid overcrowding.
• Guided tours are limited to a maximum of 8 people per group.
• Organized group visits should always be scheduled after phone contact with the reception desk.
• Air-conditioning of all areas is operated with a total renewal of fresh air (100%) in accordance with the Greek Ministry of Health regulations.
• Mandatory use of protective masks both by staff and visitors.
• Contactless transactions and e-tickets are available.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in our attempt to maintain the safety of both visitors and staff of Cretaquarium.

INSTRUCTIONS TO BE FOLLOWED DURING YOUR VISIT TO CRETAQUARIUM

• The use of a protective mask is mandatory.
• Keep 2 meters distance between  each other during your visit
• Use a hand sanitizer at the entrance.
• Follow staff instructions during your stay on our premises.
• At the end of your visit return your numbered entry card to the reception desk.
• The Cretaquarium personnel is always at your service for any further information or questions you might have.

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