The Dauphin Island Sea Lab announced a new enhancement to the Alabama Aquarium, funded by the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (GoMESA). This renovation will introduce a dynamic, hands-on play environment featuring interactive boat, ocean, and lab-themed areas, designed to foster environmental education and appreciation for Alabama's coastal ecosystem. 

More details can be found in the comments below from the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is excited to announce more improvements for the Alabama Aquarium. The latest renovations include a dynamic hands-on play environment featuring interactive boat, ocean, and lab-themed areas.

This renovation is made possible with funds from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (GoMESA). Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced the GoMESA-funded projects during a press conference Tuesday, August 13.

“One of the main themes for this year’s projects is Environmental and Nature Education and Outreach,” Governor Ivey said during the press event. ”Teaching future generations about the importance of protecting Alabama the Beautiful and all her natural habitats, wildlife and fish is critical. Several of these projects will make improvements at museums, education facilities, aquariums, and along the waterfront – all to educate Alabamians and our visitors from far and wide.”

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The funds allocated to the Alabama Aquarium will enhance the Little Billy Goat Hole experiential learning area. The redesign includes opportunities to remotely operate vehicles (ROVs), role-play as scientists, and explore underwater habitats. These hands-on exhibits will help children learn about the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem and the vital work of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab at an age-appropriate level, fostering empathy for the natural world and a lifelong appreciation for Alabama’s coastal environment.

GoMESA provides funding for the four Gulf Producing States and their eligible coastal political subdivisions (CPS) to share 37.5 percent of the qualified revenues from Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil and gas leases issued since December 20, 2006. With approval from the Governor’s Office, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources administers the funds. Mobile and Baldwin Counties receive separate GoMESA disbursements directly from the Federal government.

“I appreciate the work of the staff at the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and our project partners as they work to leverage GoMESA-funded projects with the good work happening with Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill projects and other funding sources,” said Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship. “The nature-based education, water quality improvements, and public access expansion projects announced today will have a long-term positive impact.”

The Manatee Sighting Network also received GoMESA funds to continue monitoring the migration of manatees along the Alabama coast.