Syracuse, NY – Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon today announced plans for a science advisory committee to help guide planning for his proposed $85 million aquarium at the Syracuse Inner Harbor.
McMahon is struggling to get legislative support for the plan, which has been criticized in part for lacking a scientific focus.
He said the committee to be formed will recommend exhibits, demonstrations and educational opportunities for the 600,000-gallon aquarium. One area of focus likely would be the environmental restoration of Onondaga Lake, McMahon said.
“The aquarium offers our community a once-in-a-generation opportunity to not only celebrate the amazing comeback of Onondaga Lake but share the unprecedented effort that was made by the environmental and scientific communities who made it happen,” he said in a news release.
Committee members will be drawn from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Onondaga Community College, Le Moyne College, the Museum of Science and Technology, Onondaga Environmental Institute, and the county environmental department.
Ed Michalenko, president of the Onondaga Environmental Institute and a member of the new committee, said he has long been a proponent of a research and educational facility at the Inner Harbor. He will advocate for a strong emphasis on displays and activities related to freshwater systems like Onondaga Lake.
Among the many opportunities for relevant research are issues like harmful algal blooms and restoring cold-water fish to Onondaga Lake, Michalenko said.
McMahon is trying to build majority support for the aquarium at the county legislature, which must approve the funding.
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