The Hydrobiological Station (Marine Aquarium) of Rhodes is located in the northern part of the island and was constructed during 1934-1936, initiating its activities in 1937. In 1945 it was incorporated as a peripheral station of the Greek Hydrobiological Institute under the supervision of the Athens Academy. Is has been operating as an Aquarium and museum and research unit since 1963. It belongs to the National Centre for Marine Research (NCMR) which is developing its research activities in oceanography, fisheries and inland waters corresponding institutes.
The NCMR falls under the supervision of the General Secretariat of Research and Technology belonging to the Ministry of Development. Its research aim is to develop and disseminate scientific knowledge on the marine environment and its conservation, by means of the following activities:
- Oceanographic research in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas
- Study and conservation of endangered aquatic species
- Rescue - treatment - rehabilitation - release of aquatic animals in distress
- Co-operation with other research and educational institutes
- Provision of training and consultancies concerning sustainable management of the marine environment
- Training of students on specialized subjects
- Educational activities aiming at awaking environmental awareness of secondary stage pupils
- Transfer of knowledge concerning the marine environment to specific public groups by organizing specialized lectures and seminars.
- Development of know-how in the field of aquariology
The main activity object of the HSR is to exhibit within its museum a comprehensive collection of live marine organisms, taxidermal specimens, large fishes and sea monsters in addition to a large collection of scientific instruments. Drawing on its research background and on the laboratory and the scientific support of the NCMR in Athens, the station promotes its prescience in the region by confronting the major problems within the sensitive area of the Dodecanese.
The Aquarium is located in the basement of the Hydrobiological Station and offers the visitors the chance to have a close up view of the marine life of the Eastern Mediterranean, providing the impression of being underwater.
With its open water circulation system, supplying 40 tanks with a total capacity of 75000 liters, the Aquarium provides natural living conditions for a wide range of interesting specimens of Mediterranean organisms such as reefs, sea flowers, octopuses, clams, decapods, turtles and numerous fishes.
Opening hours:
The Aquarium is open daily, except on New Year's Day, Greek Easter Sunday and Christmas Day.
April 1st – October 31st : 09.00 – 20.30 November 1st -March 31st : 09.00-16.30
