What Is The Wreck New Habitat at The Deep in Hull This Summer?

Looking for something different to do over the school holidays? Well, something new has surfaced in Hull. As of 31ST JULY 2025, The Deep, the city's well-known aquarium and conservation charity, has officially opened a brand-new space for everyone to see. After months of work behind the scenes, what was once the 'Amazon' exhibit has been completely transformed.

It's now a colourful, underwater world called 'The Wreck', and it tells a really interesting story about how new life can spring from old metal. For anyone visiting this summer, it's a chance to be among the first to see this incredible new habitat and understand a different side of our oceans.

Out with the old, in with the shipwreck

Imagine taking a space that used to be a bustling slice of the Amazon river and turning it into a sunken shipwreck scene. That's exactly what the team at The Deep have been busy doing. The result is a completely fresh experience for regular visitors and newcomers alike. The theme is centred around the idea of a shipwreck becoming a home for sea creatures. It's not just a random idea; it's based on a real story.

The inspiration comes from the USS Kittiwake, a former US Navy ship that was purposely sunk off the coast of Grand Cayman to create an artificial reef. Think of it like a planned donation to the ocean. Instead of being scrapped, the ship was given a new purpose: to become a foundation for a new ecosystem. The team at The Deep have recreated that feeling, creating a space that shows how something man-made can become a beautiful, thriving home for marine life. The exhibit, called The Wreck, is designed to be a stunning visual spectacle and a talking point about conservation.

So, what's an artificial reef?

It sounds a bit technical, doesn't it? But the idea behind artificial reefs is actually pretty simple. Imagine a huge, flat, sandy area at the bottom of the sea. There isn't much for fish to hide in or for coral to attach to. It's like an empty field. Now, imagine someone places a big, complex structure right in the middle of it - like an old ship, a decommissioned tube carriage, or even specially designed concrete blocks.

Suddenly, things change. Little fish have places to hide from bigger fish. Algae and corals now have a solid surface to grow on. This new structure becomes a marine metropolis, attracting all sorts of life. That's an artificial reef. It's a man-made structure that provides a home, food, and protection for sea creatures, helping to boost the biodiversity of an area. The new habitat at The Deep brings this concept to life, showing how these underwater structures become bustling communities. It's a powerful example of how we can give nature a helping hand.

Meet the new residents of The Wreck

A new home needs new residents, and The Wreck has some fascinating ones. Currently, the stars of the show are the Lookdowns. And yes, they get their name from their appearance. With their flat, silvery bodies and steep-sloping heads, they look like they're permanently looking down their noses at something. They're a really striking species of fish.

But why are they perfect for this exhibit? Well, Lookdowns are naturally drawn to structures like shipwrecks. In the wild, they would hang around a wreck because it's a brilliant hunting ground. Tiny crustaceans and small fish, their favourite snacks, often gather around these structures for shelter. So, for the Lookdowns, a shipwreck is basically an all-you-can-eat buffet that also offers protection. By choosing this species, the team at The Deep gives visitors an authentic glimpse into the kind of life that a real artificial reef would attract.

Ben Jones, Director of Husbandry & Exhibition at The Deep, explained the thinking behind it all:

"As a conservation and education charity, we are continually looking for unique ways to tell important stories of our ocean through habitat theming." "Artificial reefs play a vital role in enhancing marine biodiversity, and this is a new topic The Deep has not explored before, so has been a very exciting project for the team."

More than just a pretty tank

This whole project is about more than just looking at cool fish. It's about learning something new in a fun way. Throughout the summer, The Deep is running a special event called 'Wrecks & Reefs'. It's packed with hands-on activities designed to help everyone understand the importance of artificial reefs and the marine life that depends on them.

It's a topic that the team is clearly passionate about. Ben Jones added:

"We'd like to thank all the partners involved with the construction and design of our new habitat, and look forward to seeing many visitors engaging with 'The Wreck' this summer!"

This highlights that The Wreck is a big team effort, all focused on creating an experience that is both educational and memorable. It's a chance for families to see something amazing and walk away with a better understanding of how ocean ecosystems work and how humans can sometimes play a positive part in them.

Planning your visit this summer

Thinking of heading down to see it? The good news is that standard tickets to The Deep are actually Annual Passes. This means one ticket gets you unlimited return visits for a whole year, so you can come back and see how the residents of The Wreck are settling in. It's a great deal, especially for local families.

A top tip for anyone planning a trip over the summer holidays is to book tickets online in advance. It gets busy, and booking ahead means you can guarantee your spot. Getting to see this brand-new habitat is set to be a popular choice this summer, offering a fascinating look at the surprising beauty of underwater wrecks and reefs.