Aquarium Partially Reopens in Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture; Facility Suffered Damage from Noto Earthquake on Jan. 1

The Yomiuri Shimbun

16:26 JST, July 21, 2024

NANAO, Ishikawa — An aquarium in Nanao, Ishikawa Prefecture, has partially reopened after being closed due to damage caused by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake that struck on New Years Day.

Notojima Aquarium opened its doors Saturday to local residents and others who had been waiting for the facility to resume operations. Over 40 people were seen lining up to enter. Fish and other aquatic animals that had been evacuated to other prefectures were returned to the aquarium for the reopening.

The facility’s boiler stopped working after water was cut off after the earthquake struck on Jan. 1, and the facility’s pipes and other equipment suffered damage. As a result, the temperature and quality of the aquarium’s water was affected, resulting in the deaths of more than 4,000 creatures including two whale sharks.

The aquarium undertook restoration work which proceeded at a rapid pace so the facility would be ready for the summer holidays. At the reopening ceremony, aquarium staff and visitors released about 100 balloons with the message “Ganbaro Noto!” (Hang on, Noto!) into the blue sky to celebrate a new start of operations.

About 7,500 creatures of about 210 species, including penguins and sea turtles, were on display on Saturday after they were returned to the aquarium. About 22,000 creatures of about 400 species used to reside in the facility before the earthquake.

The aquarium was filled with the energetic voices of children saying, “Here come the fish!” and “I found a shark!”

“I’m delighted to see the smiling faces of visitors after such a long time,” said keeper Hinata Kugimiya. “The dolphins and sea lions have still not returned, so I’ll do my best to create an environment to welcome them back.”

“We’ll make every effort to fully reopen the aquarium as soon as possible,” said Hitoshi Sakaidani, head of the aquarium.