The European Union invests 17 million euro under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in the national maritime centre in France, in Boulogne-sur-Mer City. Nausicaá, the largest aquarium in Europe, is an important tourist and economic centre of the Hauts-de-France region. The work co-funded by the EU will make it possible for the centre and its basins to welcome even more visitors, to develop research activities and to expand the space devoted to the reproduction of endangered marine species.
Corina Creţu, Commissioner for Regional Policy, affirms: "In Nausicaá, it is possible at the same time for visitors to discover the marine ecosystem, and for scientists to measure the pulse of the oceans. Kids could discover with passion the marine biodiversity and hence – be able to understand how important it is to protect it. The centre is also the driver of Hauts-de-France and contributes to the economic transformation of the region. It is a beautiful project, which shows all the added value of Europe in the daily life of the French. "
The project, co-funded by the EU, includes the renovation of the exhibition spaces “Shores and men”, "In the land of the polar Aurora" with its ponds of walruses and penguins, "High seas voyages" and "Images and shows", as well as creation of a 4D theatre with 300 seats. Renovation works also aim to make water and energy consumption more efficient.
