Help Stop Construction of World's Largest
Aquarium & Animal Lab
Animal rights campaigners are calling for the plans of a controversial aquarium
and animal laboratory in Bedford to be halted following the announcement that
the government has given the go-ahead for the East of England Development
Agency (EEDA) to provide loans for the £250m project.
freshwater
bass
The National Institute for Research into Aquatic Habitats (NIRAH) Project is
the brainchild of a group of scientists, many with links to pharmaceutical
companies, and will house thousands of species of freshwater fish, amphibians
and reptiles. The funds raised by the aquarium through visitor entrance fees
will be used to 'explore the scientific potential of freshwater animals'.
This will include research into animal toxins, venoms and secretions for use
by the pharmaceutical industry as well as ways to farm fish and reptiles for
their meat. The local councils have given the project their full support,
anticipating up to two million visitors annually and the creation of 2,500 jobs
bringing in up to £200million each year to the local economy.
The Nirah Project is backed by a
consortium that includes three local councils and the EEDA. The Department of
Energy, Productivity and Industry have already given a £4m loan to develop a
business plan and a final design.
CAPS
Animal Aid
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