Open since 2002, The Deep is an education and conservation charity, which in recent years, has become an international player in marine conservation. Forging partnerships with key governing bodies, conservation organisations and other reputable zoos and aquariums we are working to make an impact in the protection of our oceans. Having forged a ground-breaking partnership with the IUCN, The Deep now sits in the forefront for conservation, becoming actively involved in species assessments across the globe, informing critical conservation actions for the protection of our worlds most threatened species.
Located in Hull, East Yorkshire, it is one of the most spectacular aquariums in the world and plays home to over 5,000 animals, including magnificent sharks and rays. Amongst many other threatened species, it is the only aquarium in the UK where you can view the iconic and critically endangered Green sawfish.
The dramatic building, which overlooks the Humber estuary, was designed by world class architects, Sir Terry Farrell and Partners and opened in 2002 in, what was then, one of the most deprived and unfashionable cities in England. The building exploits the landscape on which it is built and was inspired by natural geological land formations. Gleaming glass and aluminium thrust into the dramatic landscape on the confluence of the two rivers marking the historic entry to Kingston upon Hull into a brand new future. Since it's inception, Hull has seen huge invesment ensuring it is once again a thriving city.
Each year the aquarium grows in both popularity and reputation; as a visitor attraction and centre for environmental excellence.
OUR MANTRA
Conservation is at the heart of everything we do at The Deep. It is because of our loyal visitors and supporters that we are able to carry out vital research and conservation work, both in-house, around the UK and right across the world.
The Deep has produced a video to solidify its mission and purpose for being, what we are truly about. We are more than just a tourist attraction. Put simply, we are "for the oceans, for their future".
Our achievements
You see a full review of The Deep's acheivements in 2018 and 2019 here in our Year in Review documents.
Our Partners
The Deep is proud to be partnered and working with the following organisations:
- British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums. BIAZA is the professional body that represents the best zoos and aquariums in Britain and Ireland.
- World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. WAZA is the unifying organisation for the world's zoo and aquarium community, together we are 'United for Conservation'.
- International Union for the Conservation of Nature. The IUCN is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.
- Yorkshire Nature Triangle. In project is led by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, it aims to raise the profile of East Yorkshire’s fantastic array of nature-tourism.
- Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is a local charity working to protect and conserve Yorkshire's wild places and wildlife for all to enjoy.
- The Shark Trust is a UK based charity focussed on safeguarding the future of sharks and rays through positive change, science, education, influence and action.
- University of Hull. As an anchor institution for the region and its passion for discovery and passing on knowledge, the university has proven itself to be the ideal partner for The Deep’s Learning Centre, helping to raise academic aspirations among young people and inspiring future generations of pioneering scientists, researchers and conservationists.
