AquaFence Donates Engineered Flood Barrier System to Help Protect The Florida Aquarium

April 7, 2026

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AquaFence this morning announced the donation of an engineered flood mitigation barrier system to The Florida Aquarium, providing the nonprofit organization with the same proven level of flood protection used at Tampa General Hospital during major storm events. The initiative also includes financial support from Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and Strategic Property Partners (SPP), reinforcing a shared commitment to protecting one of Tampa’s most beloved cultural icons.

The donations come as The Florida Aquarium continues to strengthen its long-term storm preparedness strategy following the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which brought floodwaters to the facility’s doors and forced staff to relocate animals and habitats to higher ground.
“This is about helping protect something that means so much to Tampa,” said Patrik Hansson, chief revenue officer at AquaFence. “After the recent storms, it became clear that The Florida Aquarium needed additional layers of protection to help safeguard its animals, habitats and mission. We’re honored to support its proactive approach. The Aquarium plays such an important role in our community, and we are committed to helping strengthen its preparedness moving forward.”

< CLICK HERE VIDEO AND SOUND >
(Includes today’s news conference, storm and evacuation video)

The engineered AquaFence barrier system will mark a significant shift from reactive storm response measures to proactive resilience planning. Historically, flood response has often relied on temporary and reactive solutions such as sandbags, temporary barricades, and emergency evacuations. But as storms become more frequent and severe, AquaFence and The Florida Aquarium are advancing a preparedness-first approach designed to protect both marine life and critical infrastructure before floodwaters arrive.

Tampa Bay and the world have already seen the system’s effectiveness during Hurricane Helene, when it protected Tampa General Hospital and allowed critical operations to continue, including 30 patient procedures.
“Now, we are proud to help extend that same level of protection to one of Tampa’s most beloved institutions,” Hansson said. “Tampa is home for AquaFence, and we are committed to being a long-term partner in helping the region prepare for what comes next.”
Together, the contributions from AquaFence, TGH, and SPP will strengthen The Florida Aquarium’s broader emergency preparedness and flood mitigation efforts.

“As we saw with the most recent hurricanes to impact our region, protecting the Aquarium, which is situated on the waterfront, from a catastrophic storm surge is paramount,” said Roger Germann, president and chief executive officer of The Florida Aquarium. “The one-of-a-kind AquaFence system will safeguard animal lives, including some of the most endangered in the world, along with our staff and critical infrastructure. The protection it will provide also helps us to maintain business continuity, which is vital in fulfilling our shared purpose and honoring our commitment to our community. We can’t thank AquaFence, along with TGH, the Tampa Medical & Research District and SPP, enough for their meaningful investment and support of our Aquarium.”

During Hurricanes Helene and Milton, The Florida Aquarium activated extensive emergency protocols to safeguard its animals, habitats, and staff. Teams relocated penguins and numerous species, including moon jellies, snakes, lizards, turtles, and alligators to higher floors.

“Great communities are built by companies that show up, give back and invest in something bigger than themselves. We applaud AquaFence for this generous contribution to the Aquarium and the leadership behind it reflects a deep commitment to resilience and to strengthening the people and places that make our city thrive,” said John Couris, president and chief executive officer of Tampa General Hospital. “In a remarkably short time, AquaFence has not only established a presence here, but has become part of the very fabric of the downtown and the Tampa Medical & Research District, setting a powerful example of what it means to be both a good business and a great neighbor. We are proud to follow AquaFence’s lead with a financial contribution to the Aquarium to support this gift.”

“The Florida Aquarium is one of downtown Tampa’s defining destinations and an important neighbor to Water Street Tampa,” said Josh Taube, chief executive officer of Strategic Property Partners. “We are proud to help support efforts that help strengthen its flood protection plans and ensure this beloved community asset remains protected for years to come. Being an engaged and supportive neighbor is key to how we invest in the long-term success of downtown Tampa.”

AquaFence established its presence in Tampa Bay through its office at Water Street Tampa in 2025 and is currently in the process of relocating its American headquarters to the city, further solidifying its long-term commitment to the region and its role as a trusted community partner.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor also praised the donations and AquaFence’s growing presence in the city.
“We are incredibly grateful for AquaFence’s generosity and commitment to the Tampa community,” said Mayor Castor. “The combined donations help protect one of our city’s signature waterfront landmarks and the animals that call it home. It is especially meaningful when companies see a vulnerability within our community, particularly for a nonprofit institution, and step up with a solution that strengthens our resilience for the future.”

About AquaFence

AquaFence is a global leader in engineered, modular flood protection systems. With over 25 years of experience, AquaFence solutions are designed for rapid deployment and have been independently tested and proven in real-world conditions. What sets AquaFence apart is its engineering-driven approach: every project is analyzed and supported by certified engineers to ensure each solution is tailored to the site’s specific conditions and risk profile. AquaFence systems are trusted by government agencies, hospitals, emergency services, and private companies to protect critical infrastructure and assets. Through its service and maintenance program, AquaFence fosters long-term relationships with clients to ensure continued protection and readiness. For more information, visit www.aquafence.com.

About The Florida Aquarium
Celebrating more than three decades of impact, The Florida Aquarium has helped shape Tampa Bay into a premier global destination since opening in 1995. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is dedicated to saving marine wildlife through innovative conservation, research, education, and outreach programs. Through interactive exhibits and extraordinary experiences, The Florida Aquarium entertains and connects people to nature. More than a must-see attraction, The Florida Aquarium welcomes visitors to experience a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial animals at its main downtown Tampa campus, in addition to the Apollo Beach Conservation Campus, home to the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center and the Coral Conservation and Research Center. Repeatedly ranked among the top aquariums in the country, it is both a globally recognized visitor destination and a trusted conservation organization.