Catch-and-release takes a novel twist in Ucluelet's Aquarium: The good folk of Ukee collect the marine life at summer's beginning and release back into the ocean in September. Even rocks and sand go back where they belong.
Catch & Release at Ucluelet Aquarium
Enthusiastic, knowledgeable staff is available and eager to answer all questions. They like to point out that the giant octopus, sea anemones, sea urchins and sea stars are "just visiting." If they don't actually know what the critter is, they'll find out, and pronto.
Meet the Sea Creatures
This approach isn't all that's special about this mini-aquarium. It's probably the most hands-on aquarium on this continent. Visitors, especially kids, are invited to meet the sea creatures up close and personal at the touch tank. Yeww, the sea star is slimy to the touch, but the brilliantly coloured sea anemone that curls around human fingers is downright cuddly.
Marine Education
Discovery is exhilarating. Who knows a starfish is no longer a "starfish" but a sea star? Or that the same sea star can have a thousand feet? Or that a jellyfish can gobble up creatures twice its size, burp! Or that an octopus has three hearts?
The sea cucumber, isn't that a fave in Chinese restaurants? But what kind of cucumber is that? And the Dungeness crab galloping across the tank? Isn't it tonight's dinner? They call this a "Mini Aquarium", but the experience is the max.
The Ucluelet Aquarium is situated on the Main Street Waterfront Promenade. For more information on admission prices and opening times, contact the nearby Ucluelet Visitor Centre.