MAT Filtration Technologies, a manufacturer of high-efficiency water filtration equipment and provider of engineering services, has shared insights into the key role that aquariums can play when it comes to conservation.
For years, marine life has been under threat from pollution, climate change, overfishing, and habitat destruction, risking species like sea turtles, sharks, rays, and coral ecosystems. Many aquariums are now focusing on protecting these animals, not just displaying them.
While debate exists about whether zoos and aquariums harm environments, remove animals from habitats, or are solely for profit and entertainment, today, aquariums have shifted toward conservation, science, and education.
Committed to marine life, MAT has spent more than the past 10 years developing sustainable and technological solutions.
The company has collaborated with some of the world’s leading aquariums and facilities, including Michin Aquarium, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Mazatlán Aquarium, Poema del Mar, Istanbul Aquarium, The View Hospital, and others, and continues to work on projects across the Middle East, Asia, the Americas, and Europe.
Strong conservation goals
Aquariums like Michin and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi are not just entertainment spaces. They are real rescue and research centres with strong conservation goals. These facilities care for thousands of animals and run daily operations focused on rehabilitation, medical care, and species monitoring.
Filtration and quarantine systems are key for this work. MAT supports these centres by providing the necessary systems, including quarantine systems and advanced filtration solutions, which keep the water clean, oxygenated, and safe. This creates a healthy environment where marine life can recover, grow, and be studied properly.
Tim Bouts, zoological director at MAT and Panda House, explains how human actions harm many species. He emphasises that aquariums are crucial since marine ecosystems are fragile and prone to collapse. Global warming raises sea levels, destroying corals, and plastic waste harms ocean life.
“One example is the giant panda, which was once endangered because of habitat loss and fragmentation. Now, more than 1,800 are living back in the wild, with hundreds being cared for around the world in zoos. This is thanks to the huge conservation efforts in China and worldwide. We need to look at conservation through the eyes of a ‘humane’ society that protects and cares for animals,” he says.
Volkan Sorkun, who manages MAT’s Life Support System projects, adds: “We’re currently working on the Red Sea Marine Life Institute, which is part of the Amaala project. I feel proud to be part of something that supports animal protection and the conservation and reproduction of corals. At MAT, every project is about giving animals the right space and care to survive.”
Rescue and rehabilitation
Michin Acuario in Mexico exemplifies conservation through action. Starting with its first project in Guadalajara, it expanded to Mexico City and now works with advanced water systems for species health. But what makes Michin different is its connection with environmental authorities.
Its rescue and rehabilitation programs mainly focus on native Mexican species, with efforts dedicated to the endangered Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) native to Jalisco.
Michin also manages a project involving meliponario bees, which are at risk from pollution and land destruction. In collaboration with scientists like Mauricio Hoyos and James Ketchum, Michin supports shark and ray research to aid in the management and protection of marine predators in the Gulf of California and the Mexican Pacific.
These animals aren’t just on display; they’re under treatment, observation, and protection.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
Opened in February 2023, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi remains the largest aquarium globally. It also hosts the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center, a leading marine rescue facility in the region. The centre aims to protect Arabian Gulf marine wildlife through rescue, rehabilitation, and release programs.
Globally, SeaWorld has nearly 60 years of rescue experience, and the Abu Dhabi branch expands this mission in the Middle East. Research projects focus on biodiversity, critical habitats, and restoration. A new seagrass research program is also in development, aiming to protect a key ecosystem of the region.
MAT was responsible for the entire filtration and life support system, as well as installation and technical support. The centre spans about 8,600 m² and includes rescue pools for mammals, fish, and invertebrates, a veterinary hospital, boats, and ambulances. It has received accreditation from the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) and Global Humane certification, proving its high animal care standards.
Supporting marine life
None of this would be possible without efficient water treatment. Quarantine systems isolate rescued or sick animals for observation. Proper filtration maintains healthy water: clean, oxygenated, balanced. These systems reduce disease spread. Companies like MAT develop custom systems for each species, including salinity, pH, temperature, and oxygenation control.
Recent research shows that ocean acidification from climate change and carbon emissions is harming marine life. Filtration systems and responsible aquarium management support these species during changes. Many aquariums aim to raise awareness, inspire action, and promote responsible environmental behaviour.
Veterinarian Juan Carlos Lehmann, responsible for operations at MAT, says he’s deeply passionate about marine life. “Working with rescued animals is emotional and rewarding. We’re not just helping them survive, but giving them a second chance,” he shared.
Leading MAT Zoological Operations worldwide, Pedro Ignacio García Miguel Gomez, senior global facility manager, has been working in animal welfare for over 20 years. With experience as an aquarium curator, including at Istanbul Aquarium, Pedro shares how detailed and careful the work is: observing how each animal eats, behaves, and adapts to its environment, all with full-time care from the team.
Aiding conservation projects
Today, the MAT team is managing projects like Dubai Safari Park, Panda House, and The View Hospital. He says: “Over the years, we’ve worked on different conservation projects and implemented systems to acquire fish from reliable sources, avoiding any harm to the environment.”
Middle East general manager Nurettin Ersu also highlights how each aquarium is designed with one goal: sustainability. “Customer needs are always considered, but just as important are the needs of the marine animals. The engineering focuses on using high-quality, sustainable materials that support animal welfare.
“It’s not just about building tanks; it’s about creating reliable life support systems.”
An aquarium is more than a place to see animals behind glass; it’s a hub for research, education, and conservation. Animals receive specialised care from marine veterinarians, biologists, and researchers monitoring their health. Aquariums recreate natural habitats, providing environments where animals feel safe and comfortable.
Bouts says we need to reflect on our daily actions and consumption:
“Conservation starts with oneself: recycling, using less plastic, and choosing local produce. Aquariums and zoos are a platform for conservation; they are places where we care for endangered animals and teach people how they should truly be treated. The animals in captivity are flagship species for their wild counterparts,” he pointed out.
Today, scientists continue to discover thousands of new marine species each year. However, many of these species are already at risk due to pollution, climate change, and human activity.
Species such as the vaquita, whale sharks, sea turtles, sea otters, manatees, monk seals, and river dolphins are just some of the animals we still have a chance to protect. Around the world, marine organisations and researchers are paying special attention to several species now considered critically endangered.
MAT Filtration Technologies also recently shared how its customised solutions allow aquariums to manage their water systems with efficiency, sustainability and reliability.
