The National Aquarium’s Harbor Wetland, which opened in 2024, encourages visitors to explore the native plant and animal life that once flourished in Baltimore City’s tidal salt marshes.

Featuring 32,000 grasses and shrubs, and attracting a variety of animal species, the 10,000 sqft wetland removes excess nitrogen from stormwater, increases oxygen, and restores critical habitat for fish, reptiles, crustaceans, molluscs and birds.

We were delighted to have the opportunity to contribute a small part to the story, with the addition of Biomatrix Water’s NM100 floating wetland to the outer edge of the exhibit, adding a further 190 sqft of habitat.

As pioneers of floating wetland technology, the National Aquarium has spent over a decade growing Harbor Wetland in to what it is today.

The application of floating wetlands is being utilised by multiple aquariums internationally – from Australia to Chicago – as they seek to engage proactively with their local waterscapes.

Charmaine Dahlenburg, Director of Field Conservation, National Aquarium said:

“Our partnership with Biomatrix Water is a reminder that the challenges facing our waterways are global, and so are the solutions.  Knowledge sharing allows us to support one another’s work and demonstrate how we can restore healthier ecosystems for wildlife and communities alike”.

 

 

 

All images © National Aquarium