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Ocean discovery and exploration
The AQWA Foundation
Western Australia's oceans are internationally recognised for their beauty, unique conditions and unrivalled diversity of marine life.
- Our Shark Bay World Heritage area is one of only two places in the world with live marine stromatolites. These "living fossils" are the world's oldest organisms and existed on Earth over 3 billion years ago!
- Ningaloo Reef is the only place in the world where the mysterious whale sharks, which can grow to 12 metres, are known to visit on a regular basis.
- Uniquely Australian leafy seadragons make the cool waters of our south their home.
- Every year ocean giants visit us, when the majestic humpback whales make their annual migration from Antarctica along our coast.
We are an ocean loving State. Fishing, surfing, boating, diving and beach going among our favourite pastimes. Our ocean inspires wonder and excitement and provides livelihoods and leisure. Yet there is still so much we don't know about this precious undersea world.
The AQWA Foundation was established by AQWA, The Aquarium of Western Australia to increase awareness, understanding and appreciation of Western Australia's oceans. It is a non profit organisation dedicated to supporting projects that promote better understanding of the marine environment and fostering positive relationships between people and the sea.
The AQWA Foundation is based in Western Australia and supports projects that benefit Western Australian marine and human communities.
Current Projects
Current AQWA Foundation projects include...
Marine ARC
The Marine Animal Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) housed at AQWA has been established through the AQWA Foundation. This centre provides specialised care and attention to a range of marine creatures.
Since its creation we have cared for over 42 seals and hundreds of turtles. With your support, and that of corporate sponsor Water Corporation, we will continue the work of this very important facility.
Previous Projects
Tagging great white sharks
The AQWA Foundation funded CSIRO researchers to develop and trial a satellite tagging and tracking system for large great white sharks in Western Australian waters.
Very little is known about the biology and behaviour of great white sharks. This important research helped to unlock some of the mysteries of the movements of these sharks. A unique adoption program was implemented to involve the community in this project.
The AQWA Foundation