Marine Life and Conservation at New York Aquarium

Walking along the Riegelmann Boardwalk in Coney Island, you are greeted by the salt air of the Atlantic and the expansive grounds of one of the oldest continually operating aquariums in the United States. Since its move to Brooklyn in 1957, this facility has served as a cornerstone for marine conservation and public education.

A Legacy of Marine Conservation

The New York Aquarium is more than a collection of tanks; it is a primary hub for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). As part of an integrated system that includes the Bronx Zoo, the aquarium fulfills a mission to save wildlife and wild places through science and conservation action. You can see the results of this dedication in the local New York Seascape program, which focuses on restoring healthy populations of marine species and protecting the waters of the harbor and surrounding coastlines.

Exploring Aquatic Diversity

Spread across 14 acres, the aquarium houses 266 species of aquatic wildlife. Your visit offers a deep dive into the diversity of life beneath the waves:

• Observe a wide array of marine species in large-scale exhibits designed to educate you on the challenges facing our oceans.
• Experience the results of specialized breeding programs, such as the sea horse project launched in 2012.
• See aquatic life that has been part of the institution's history for decades, including a resident electric eel named Wattson.

Maximizing Your Visit to the Shore

To make the most of your time at the aquarium, focus on the scale of the exhibits and the specific conservation stories told through their displays. While the facility has evolved since its relocation from Manhattan in 1957—losing some species to open-water releases or other institutions along the way—it remains a premier site for observing marine life. Spend enough time to move beyond a quick glance, allowing yourself to engage with the educational components of the Seascape program. If you are looking for more New York landmarks to see after your visit, you can plan onward trips to nearby sites such as the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building.