AquaFence system used at TGH installed at aquarium

AquaFence has donated an engineered flood-barrier system to The Florida Aquarium, strengthening storm protection at the downtown Tampa waterfront site following recent hurricanes.

The barrier, similar to one used at Tampa General Hospital, is designed to protect buildings, infrastructure and animal habitats from storm surge before floodwaters reach the site.

The donation also includes financial support from Tampa General Hospital and Strategic Property Partners.

The system was used at Tampa General during Hurricane Helene, helping keep hospital operations running.

AquaFence flood barrier system installed inside The Florida Aquarium near a large marine exhibit — AquaFence flood barrier system installed at The Florida Aquarium to protect the waterfront facility from storm surge

“We conducted 30 surgeries through Hurricane Helene, including a kidney transplant that night,” said John Couris, president and chief executive officer of Tampa General Hospital. “The hospital never stopped functioning, never stopped providing care for this community, in large part because we were protected by the AquaFence.”

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Hurricanes Helene and Milton pushed water to the aquarium’s doors, forcing staff to move penguins and other species, including reptiles and marine life, to higher ground.

Floodwaters rise outside The Florida Aquarium during a storm, covering steps and nearby waterfront areas — Floodwaters from recent hurricanes reached The Florida Aquarium’s entrance and surrounding waterfront, prompting emergency measures to protect animals

The installation replaces temporary measures such as sandbags and evacuations with fixed infrastructure designed to keep the facility operating during storms.

“We have 20,000 animals behind us, and some are endangered,” said Roger Germann, president and chief executive officer of The Florida Aquarium. “The conservation work we do is critical, and protecting this facility and these species is essential.”

The system supports conservation operations and business continuity at a waterfront attraction in the Channel District.

AquaFence, which opened a Water Street office in 2025, is relocating its U.S. headquarters to Tampa, expanding its role in regional infrastructure and resilience projects.

“This is about helping protect something that means so much to Tampa,” said Patrik Hansson, chief revenue officer at AquaFence. “It became clear that The Florida Aquarium needed additional layers of protection.”