WHAT IS SOUTHAMPTON LIVING WATERS?

Water and our oceans are inextricably linked to human life – to our past, our present and our future. Nowhere can tell this story better than Southampton, with its historical and international significance as a marine and maritime hub.

Aiming to rival the best that Europe has to offer, Southampton Living Waters will be an attraction of national stature and international reputation.

Much more than an aquarium, the project will blend maritime education with exceptional entertainment, earning its ‘wow’ factor through an innovative combination of fascinating narratives, technology and aquatic environments. For example, a large scale model of the Mayflower, and an ‘on board experience’ will re-create the embarkation of the Pilgrim Fathers from Southampton’s quayside. This will be part of the historical narrative that shows how innovations originating from the city have had an international impact within a global network.

Offering broad appeal to those of all ages and interests who are fascinated by the sea and all it brings, Southampton Living Waters Aquarium will achieve its objectives by:

1. Providing imaginative and immersive re-creations of aquatic and ocean environments, where animals will serve to enrich the storyline.

2. Offering a dynamic and fascinating narrative timeline of the region, showing international connectivity and influences that emanated from Southampton’s ancient past to today and on into our future.

3. Presenting state-of-the-art science from the University of Southampton and the National Oceanography Centre in exploring ocean - climate interaction and deep sea exploration; as well as maritime simulations from the Warsash Maritime Academy of Southampton Solent University. Being an exciting conference space for conservation, innovation and growth, and a venue for a spectrum of visiting exhibitions from organisations such as Lloyd’s Register, a new arrival in Southampton and the Linnaean Society of London.

“This proposal has the support of the National Oceanography Centre. The ocean is a frontier environment and this initiative to enthuse visitors to Southampton with the wonders of the ocean is an important step in understanding its impact on our daily lives”.

Professor Ian Wright, Director, Science and Technology, National Oceanography Centre

Catherine Bearder MEP (South East England)

“The Living Waters Aquarium project is a fantastic opportunity for Southampton to chart the history and look to the future of the oceans surrounding it.”

Mike Causer of Ocean Projects Ltd. with Mare Nostrum Montpellier