Dozens of marine and freshwater species have been purchased for the Primorsky Aquarium and will welcome their audience in 2013. The sea aquarium contains numerous fish typical for the Sea of Japan. The gems of the aquarium are its white whales, Baikal seal pups and fur seals.

A number of marine fish species populating the north of the Sea of Japan, such as saffron cod, smelt, starry flounder, Japanese flatfish, starlet, Amur sturgeon, kaluga and others, have been caught in order to start a life support system for marine aquariums at the Research and Adaptation Department.

Last May, the aquarium received and nurtured some koi fry. In June, about 50 red king crabs, 80 snow crabs and five smaller crab species from the Sea of Japan shoreline were purchased for research.

Some of the aquarium residents are quite ready to perform, such as the white whales, which are currently kept in open-air pools on Russky Island, and the fur seals, which are kept at the Research and Adaptation Department. Starting next year, the aquarium trainers will showcase the first results of their work with these amazing animals to audiences in Vladivostok.

* * *

The aquarium of the Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences is the only research and training facility of its kind in Russia. The aquarium is a non-profit organisation within the Russian Academy of Sciences whose purpose is to explore and help preserve the biodiversity of the Pacific Ocean and instill a careful attitude towards its riches in people. The aquarium will in future comprise six research laboratories outfitted with the latest equipment, and an advanced educational department that has already organised many events for children and youth.