Major Aquarium Proposed for Bali's Sanur Beach

(3/27/2006)

The Antara News Agency reports that Bali's Sanur Beach is the proposed location of major public aquarium project being championed by an international group headed by Newman Bio Marine Pte Ltd. Helen Newman, the leader of the project, is an acknowledged expert in the field of marine biology and Aquaria management. Past involvements have included management and consultancy roles in Aquarium projects in China, Singapore, and Taiwan.

Quoted from Antara, Newman said, "We wish to build a major aquarium in Bali reflecting the wide range of interesting sea-life found near the island."

In a meeting last week with the Vice-Mayor for Denpasar, IB Rai Dharma Wijaya Mantra, Newman explained that there approximately 200 species of endangered sea life living in close proximity to Bali that need to be preserved. Through the establishment of the proposed aquarium facility, Newman hopes that by establishing the facility these species will be protected while at the same time presenting a world-class tourist attraction open to the public.

A number of proposed location are being reviewed for the aquarium that meet the requirements of easy access for the public near a seaside location.

While endorsing the project, Rai Mantra reminded Newman of the need to adequately socialize the project to the people of Bali before proceeding. Mantra offered his office's assistance in presenting the project to local communities.