" THE AQUARIUM CURRENTLY HAS AN ANNUAL IMPACT OF ABOUT $ 55 MIL- LION ON THE CORPUS CHRISTI AREA ,
Pictured Above : Future Blue Hole Coral Reef Exhibit guests will be economic . As millions of visitors flock to Corpus Christi from across the nation , businesses are expected to follow in order to attract these potential customers . That ’ s sure to provide an additional boost to the Corpus Christi area , bringing in jobs , tax revenue , and other financial benefits . The Aquarium itself will also be a huge economic contributor . It currently has an annual impact of about $ 55 million on the Corpus Christi area , and with Caribbean Journey , that is expected to increase to more than $ 68 million . The Aquarium has supported 725 area jobs , comprising almost $ 20 million in salaries , and 50 additional full-time employees will be hired for Caribbean Journey . Local taxing districts are also estimated to collect $ 5 million due to the Aquarium ’ s presence .
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This new flood of arriving visitors will also be contributing to conservation efforts in and around Corpus Christi , whether they realize it or not . A part of every dollar the aquarium receives goes towards funding a variety of conservation programs . When visitors pay their admission , they ’ re helping to support the Aquarium ’ s Second Chances Wildlife Rehabilitation Program , which rehabilitates and releases injures birds and marine mammals , and the Wildlife Care , Conservation , and Research Fund , which funds vital research projects in the Gulf of Mexico . With Caribbean Journey , the Texas State Aquarium can boost its contributions to these conservation programs and advance its vision of being a global leader in fostering conservation in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea .