Future Bowen Aquarium to Have Major Economic Impact

(Press release from The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast)

April 17, 2025 – The press release details the economic impact of the future Bowen Aquarium that will be located just east of Merritt Island in Port Canaveral.

Among the key findings of the recent economic impact analysis: the future Bowen Aquarium and Conservation Center is projected to have an annual total economic impact of more than $128 million in area sales, generating a local labor income of over $43 million and supporting over 1,000 jobs. Located on a 14-acre site at Port Canaveral, the future Bowen Aquarium will showcase the Indian River Lagoon and surrounding ecosystems. Together, our community is building more than an aquarium—supporters are shaping a shared legacy that celebrates the natural beauty and economic vitality of Florida’s Space Coast.

The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) released an economic impact analysis providing data-backed support for a future community asset. The EDC partnered with the East Coast Zoological Foundation, the nonprofit organization that opened and runs the Brevard Zoo, to provide support for its second campus the future Bowen Aquarium and Conservation Center. The EDC’s data backed analysis illustrates the unique synergy between economic development and tourism—two pillars that make Florida’s Space Coast an exceptional place to live, work, and visit.

“Beyond job creation and economic impact outlined in the study, the future Bowen Aquarium will elevate our region’s visibility, and enrich our quality of life” said Lynda Weatherman, President & CEO of the EDC of Florida’s Space Coast. “This project highlights Florida’s Space Coast’s unique assets that attract both tourism and residents, thereby strengthening our ability to retain and attract the talent our business community needs.”

“From the outset, we’ve been equipped with data-driven insights to help secure funding and generate broad-based support for a project that reflects the community’s values and vision for the future” said Keith Winsten, Chief Executive Officer, East Coast Zoological Foundation. “We have a track record over quarter-century long showing the ecological, economic and social successes of the Zoo.  With this report, we’re able to detail numbers on the success of the future Bowen Aquarium.”

Source: EDC of Florida’s Space Coast