The National Marine Aquarium featured in a 6-part documentary series, ‘Secrets of the Aquarium’, which aired in November & December 2023.
The show was 18 months in the making, and showcased the dedication of our staff as they faced challenges, heartbreak, and happiness, whilst caring for over 5000 amazing animals at the National Marine Aquarium, located here in Plymouth.
About the Show
Secrets of The Aquarium takes viewers on an extraordinary journey behind the scenes of the National Marine Aquarium, home of the Ocean Conservation Trust, the UK’s National Aquarium, offering a unique glimpse into the captivating world of marine life. With breath-taking cinematography and exclusive access to the inner workings of the NMA, the series showcases the incredible diversity of the marine species who make the National Marine Aquarium their home. You will be introduced to our dedicated team of experts, marine biologists, and caretakers who work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of our resident sea creatures while engaging in vital conservation efforts.
The 6-part documentary series was narrated by Joanna Scanlan (Thick of It, Getting On, Notes on a Scandal, In the Loop) and featured fascinating stories of looking after animals and our conservation efforts. These stories include creating a cosy cave for Larry the lobster, rehoming a turtle from the Maldives, the unforeseen problems of seagrass restoration, connecting people in local care homes with the sea, and a plenty of content about our cheeky green turtle, Friday. These stories highlight the profound impact of the National Marine Aquarium and the Ocean Conservation Trust, showcasing our commitment to restoring and protecting the Ocean.
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EPISODE ONE
In the opening episode, Marcus, our curator, has to move a problem shark to the top of the deepest tank in the UK, Andrew, our biologist diver, builds a cave for a reclusive lobster and Friday the turtle has his own difficult shark encounter.
EPISODE TWO
Catching rays is a challenge with a sting in the tail, and Xav has to find a way to keep Friday the Turtle out of trouble. Meanwhile, Freyja gives some care- home residents a close encounter with sharks.
EPISODE THREE
Marcus and Emma head to the Maldives on a rescue mission for an injured turtle. Back in Plymouth, Ian trains Zeus the zebra shark using a toy boat, and Andrew collects fresh seaweed for Larry the lobster.
EPISODE FOUR SYNOPSIS
Ian has to carry out repairs ten metres underwater in the deepest tank in Britain, and there’s a surprise for Jill, the aquariums eighty-six year old “ray whisperer”.
EPISODE FIVE SYNOPSIS
Marcus installs a shark cage for the public and a new octopus arrives from Portugal. Amelia has problems that threaten an ambitious project to replant the seagrass meadows.
EPISODE SIX SYNOPSIS
There’s a surprise visit from the Princess of Wales, the new seahorse tank gets stuck in a door and Florence the shark has a pregnancy test.
The Makers of Secrets of the Aquarium:
Our documentary series, Secrets of the Aquarium, is brought to you by the talented Welsh production company, Hall of Mirrors. They are specialists in making factual entertainment and documentary series and have been behind the lens of some of the UK’s best loved shows. Their team spent a year filming at the Aquarium getting involved in everything that goes on here. As a result the TV show is as honest a portrayal as you will get of life working at an Aquarium.
The National Marine Aquarium (NMA) is the UK’s national aquarium, located in Britain’s Ocean City, Plymouth. We are proudly the home of the Ocean Conservation Trust, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the Ocean.
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