Alaska SeaLife Center, Public aquarium and research center in Seward, United States.
The Alaska SeaLife Center is a marine research facility in Seward that houses exhibits featuring puffins, octopuses, sea lions, and other northern Pacific species. The tanks are designed to recreate the natural environments where these animals live.
Planning began in the late 1980s to expand University of Alaska research facilities at Seward, but funding was lacking. After the Exxon Valdez ran aground in March 1989 and spilled about 41,000 cubic metres of crude oil into Prince William Sound, settlement money helped finance the centre. Earthworks started in May 1995 and the Alaska SeaLife Center opened on 2 May 1998.
Many animals here were found injured, oiled or orphaned in the wild and were treated before staying on exhibit. The touch pool, where visitors handle sea stars and sea urchins, is among the most popular stops, and the center runs day programs and overnight sleepovers tied to Alaska's science standards.
The facility offers daily presentations, guided tours, and educational programs for visitors of all ages. Plan to spend time exploring the indoor exhibits and check opening hours before your visit.
The center is one of the few non-profit organizations in the world with both a public aquarium and a fully supported research facility in the same building. It is affiliated with the University of Alaska Fairbanks and works with state, federal and international agencies. Its science department runs dedicated programs for seals and sea lions, eiders, sea otters and salmon.
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