“This visionary, one-of-a-kind facility

will allow all of us to understandthe connection between ourselves and

the ocean. Through personal discovery

creating engaging impact, we will affect and

inspire generations for years to come.”

– Dr. Roy E. Crabtree, PhD Southeast Regional Administrator

NOAA Fisheries Service

“This visionary, one-of-a-kind facility

will allow all of us to understandthe connection between ourselves and

the ocean. Through personal discovery

creating engaging impact, we will affect and

inspire generations for years to come.”

– Dr. Roy E. Crabtree, PhD Southeast Regional Administrator

NOAA Fisheries Service

“This visionary, one-of-a-kind facility

will allow all of us to understandthe connection between ourselves and

the ocean. Through personal discovery

creating engaging impact, we will affect and

inspire generations for years to come.”

– Dr. Roy E. Crabtree, PhD Southeast Regional Administrator

NOAA Fisheries Service

Fulfi lling an inspiring mission for nearly 25 years…

Since 1988 nearly 4 million visitors have poured through the doors of The Pier Aquarium in downtown

St. Petersburg, discovering the wonders of marine life – from the local to the global. The 2,000 sq. ft. facility

has provided education, events, and built incredible public interest in the ocean environment during a time

of increased awareness and concern about our planet and man’s relationship to it.

A bold vision forthe future…

The formation of the St. Petersburg Ocean

Team – one of the largest concentrations of

marine scientists and engineers in the United

States – the public’s heightened interest in

the ocean environment, the unknown future

of The Pier, and an invitation by Hubbard

Properties to consider relocation to John’s Pass Village, have created an extraordinary alignment of events

that now provide the opportunity for a bold, new approach to the Aquarium’s mission.

WE WILL MAKE CLEAR HOW THE OCEAN, AND THE LIFE IN IT,AFFECTS AND SHAPES THE FEATURES OF THE EARTH.

Perspective View of Upper Level Looking North from Lobby

JUST AS THERE IS ONE EARTH, THERE IS ONE OCEAN.AND WE ARE ALL AFFECTED BY IT, AND IN TURN, AFFECT IT.

Secrets of the Sea.12,500 sq. ft. of ocean wonder.

Located in one of Tampa Bay’s most

visited destinations – John’s Pass

Village – Secrets of the Sea will

be a cutting-edge, multi-faceted,

interactive venue for the public’s

understanding and appreciation of

the marine world. The area provides

an accessible waterfront location

that puts the facility before tourists,

large groups and special events

and provides convenient parking

plus a wide array of dining and

shopping options.

plus a wide array of dining and

Deep. Beyond measure.

Secrets of the Sea will be

an exciting, dynamic facility

introducing the public to the

importance of the ocean and

their relation to it through an

innovative combination of real-

time technology and interactive

exhibits. More than ever before, the marine exploration center will be a destination attraction, drawing tourists,

residents and students alike into a visually arresting world of ocean discovery.

Unlocking the stunning mysteries of the ocean.

The ocean, vast and still incredibly unexplored, will be presented through

a series of “Mystery Stations” – interactive experiences in which visitors will

explore the sea’s secrets and discover how scientists and others are working to

reveal its mysteries.

Elevation of North Wing: Upper Level

THROUGH PERSONAL INTERACTION, VISITORS WILL DISCOVER HOW THEOCEAN IS A MAJOR INFLUENCE ON OUR WEATHER AND CLIMATE.

A living research facility, exploring the living sea.

Unlike the typical public aquarium, Secrets of the Sea will be a living research

facility showcasing the work of the St. Petersburg Ocean Team and others,

providing the public with direct contact with scientists, live experiments and

discoveries found nowhere else.

Engaging. Inspiring. Compelling.

Navigating through the facility,

visitors will be immersed in

the amazing, impactful ocean

research taking place in and

beyond Tampa Bay. They’ll

discover the importance of the

ocean and their relationship to it. And dynamic exhibits providing real-time data and up-to-the second ocean information

will reward them on returning visits.

Elevation of North Wing: Lower Level

Upper Level Plan

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Upper Level Plan

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Mysteries revealed at every turn.

Dynamic, engaging and visually stunning, Secrets of the Sea will provide visitors with

interactive, hands-on encounters with ocean discovery, joining with researchers in their

collaborative efforts to unlock the ocean’s mysteries.

Satellite Imagery StationSatellite data from around the globe brings the reality of ocean discovery to life. Visitors will discover the many ways satellite imagery helps us read changes in the marine world.

Moon Jellyfi sh Jewel TankVisitors will be fi rst welcomed to the facility by a mesmerizing display of one of the ocean’s most beautiful and mysterious creatures – a living cloud of Moon Jellyfi sh.

Sea SleuthsJust beyond the lobby area, visitors are introduced to the concept of marine science as a process of exploration and discovery, defi ning their Secrets of the Sea experience.

Small Shark, Big StoryCoral catsharks become the focal point for a larger story about the conservation of endangered marine species, and the role taken by institutions, including Secrets of the Sea, in conservation.

Corals on AcidSpecial, custom-built tanks allow visitors to understand the effects of increased water acidifi cation by comparing healthy, living coral with those exposed to an increasing acidic ocean environment.

VISITORS WILL COME AWAY WITH AN UNDERSTANDING ASTO HOW THE OCEAN MAKES OUR EARTH HABITABLE.

Upper Level Plan

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Counting on FishWith sport fi shing a critical part of Florida’s economy, this tank introduces visitors to some of the species that marine research agencies and fi shermen endeavor to maintain and preserve.

Planet Water GalleryFrom where it comes, to who uses itand how, the amazing story, importance and effects of water are brought to life through impactful, relevant activitiesand displays.

Science On a Sphere®

Provided by NOAA, this huge dynamic display provides visitors with a global view of a wide range of data from around the world, showing weather, climate change and seasonal marine animal migrations.

Reading CluesTwo “Mystery Stations” give visitors a view of the ocean’s microscopic world, plus an understanding of how researchers use technology to read these ecosystems as a barometer of ocean health.

Touch Tampa BayHere visitors touch, feel and understand the amazing marine animals from Tampa Bay and beyond. Staff will explain animal features and different marine conservation and research projects in the area.

Sea Critter Close UpVisitors get an awesome, close-up viewof marine specimens through a video light microscope providing stunning, superfi ne detail on a large, video monitor.

Fish at Risk (Signature Aquarium)

An exhibit of large predator fi sh allows the visitor to understand how the masters of the seas serve as bellwethers of overall ocean health. A unique and engaging “duck-in” bubble gives the visitor an up-close 360-degree view.

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After the thrilling introduction of the upper fl oor, visitors will be routed to the ground

fl oor where even larger, more dynamic exhibits await. The fl oor will also offer a gift shop,

refreshments, as well as a learning lab, function space and staff offi ces.

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Learning Lab/ClassroomAs a living lab committed to community education, Secrets of the Sea will offer a Learning Lab/Classroom space facilitating the opportunity for area educators and others to teach and inspire a new generation committed to the environment.

Exhibit Support SystemsEven Secrets of the Sea’s backend support systems provide an opportunity for learning and demonstrate a deep commitment to the environment. Much of the facility’s systems will be viewable and presented in ways that inform and engage the visitor.

VISITORS WILL COME FACE TO FACE WITH THE REALITY THAT THE OCEAN IS VASTLY UNEXPLORED AND STILL AWAITING FRESH, NEW DISCOVERIES.

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Essential Estuaries(Mangrove Ecosystem Signature Tank)

Here the beauty and signifi cance of mangroves in Tampa Bay’s ecosystems comes to life in a dynamic, living mangrove display. The large tank provides anup-close view of the mangrove estuary and its relationship to the environment – right down to daily “rain storms” in the exhibit.

SeaShopMore than a gift shop, our museum store, SeaShop, will offer visitors mementos of their visit that will continue to inspire appreciation and devotion to the marine environment.

Today in Tampa BayBefore leaving Secrets of the Sea, visitors will be presented with an updated calendar/map of beach conditions, special events and research projects currently underway throughout Tampa Bay.

Energizing ResearchDesigned to engage the public in upcoming marine research, here visitors will be offered the opportunity to express their interest and support for a varietyof proposed marine research and technology projects.

Compelling commitment to understandingand protecting the ocean for generations to come.

Every phase of Secrets of the Sea is designed to create personal

discovery and life-long impact. Visitors will enter the facility

from many walks of life and holding many perspectives, but

will leave with a personal understanding that the ocean is the

dominate feature of the planet on which they live, and that all

life, including their own, is dependent on the ocean – and that

the ocean is dependent on them.

Beyond showcasing

fascinating research in an engaging, entertaining environment, Secrets

of the Sea will create a deep bond with its visitors, connecting on a

myriad of emotional and intellectual levels.

VISITORS WILL DISCOVER THE OCEAN’S GREATDIVERSITY OF LIFE AND ECOSYSTEMS.

How you can leave a lasting impact.

Projected to attract more than a quarter million visitors

a year, Secrets of the Sea offers you more than an

opportunity to reach and connect with thousands of highly

engaged and motivated individuals. It’s your opportunity to

make an impact on the ocean, our planet’s health and our

society for generations to come.

Uniting in our mission to create the most advanced public aquarium experience in the United States, your participation

will not only make Secrets of the Sea possible, but will provide you with

the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy before thousands. Donors will

be forever recognized at the new facility, with Premier Donors having the

opportunity for exhibit naming rights – showcasing and uniting their identity with the new facility – and doing so at a

point where the visitor is experiencing life-changing intellectual and emotional impact.

It will take $5 million to make Secrets of the Sea a reality. Already, several individuals, corporations and organizations are

rushing to the cause. This is your chance to join those who will be recognized for making it happen.

$5 million

Your name. Your legacy.

Donors uniting in our mission will be forever recognized at the facility for their vision and support. You can

also choose from a broad range of naming rights opportunities that will prominently feature your name or your

organization’s name. Those who wish to have the most signifi cant impact creating Secrets of the Sea will have the

opportunity to be the most prominently featured through a select group of featured key exhibits.

Essential Estuaries Signature Aquarium Exhibit $500,000

Exploring and explaining Tampa Bay’s unique ecosystem, this large tank gives visitors an up close view of a living mangrove habitat and

its complex estuarine environment.

Secrets of the Sea Building $1.5 Million

Prominent, visible and the cornerstone to the John’s Pass Village entertainment complex – one of the most visited areas in Tampa Bay – the Secrets of the Sea building naming rights opportunity gives you the premier association with the facility, plus opportunities for ongoing public relations and media exposure.

THE NEW FACILITY WILL LEAVE VISITORS WITH AN UNDERSTANDINGHOW THEY ARE INEXTRICABLY CONNECTED TO THE OCEAN.

Fish at Risk SignatureAquarium Exhibit $200,000

This large tank provides an up-close experience with large predator fi sh through a “duck-in” bubble, allowing visitors to immerse themselves into a 360-degree view of the ocean’s mightiest creatures.

Touch Tampa Bay Signature Touch Tank Exhibit $250,000

More than just viewing live exhibits through glass, here visitors get their hands into the water to touch and feel the amazing marine life of Tampa Bay while learning about conservation and research projects in the area.

Science On a Sphere ® Gallery $200,000

Developed by NOAA, this room-sized global display shows moving images from around the world, bringing to life real-time planetary

data on weather, global climate change, seasonal marine animal migrations and more. Ever-changing. Always fascinating.

THE NEW FACILITY WILL LEAVE VISITORS WITH AN UNDERSTANDING

Secrets of the Sea Board of Directors

Mark Luther, Ph. D.Chair

Associate Professor

University of South Florida,

College of Marine Science

Susan H. WallaceVice Chair

Lou KavourasSecretary

Deputy Executive Director

Southwest Florida Water

Management District

Sheila M. McDevittTreasurer

Attorney

Ackerman Senterfi tt

Peter R. Betzer, Ph. D.President

St. Petersburg Downtown

Partnership

Robert L. HiltonVice President, Finance

Raymond James and Associates

Lari JohnsonImmediate Past Chair

President

Lari Johnson Public Relations

Annica KeelerExecutive Assistant and

Corporate Hospitality

Times Publishing Company

Alan J. SuskeyVice President

Three Bridges Advisors

It is our mission to enhance the public’s

understanding of the value and fragility of the

local and global marine environment through

research, education and personal experiences.

Brochure created and produced through the support ofAqua Marketing & Communications, Inc., St. Petersburg, Florida

Brochure created and produced through the support ofAqua Marketing & Communications, Inc., St. Petersburg, Florida

Tourism Impact: Anchoring one of Tampa Bay’s top attractions and expanding the visitation product of Pinellas County

Scientifi c Impact: Expanding scientifi c, corporate and educational partnerships while creating a new generation of environmental stewards

Economic Impact: Generating $8 million annually into thelocal economy

Educational Impact: Expanding teacher resources and reaching more than 40,000 students from six counties

while creating a new generation of environmental stewards

For more information on how you can explore ways to join

the many who are uniting in our mission, please visit:

www.ThoseForSecrets.org