Media Releases and Opportunities

Dalhousie University Unveils Beaty Marine Centre for Biodiversity 

Monday, Oct. 27, 2025 (Halifax) - Today, Dalhousie University unveiled the Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity, a showcase of ocean science and conservation for all ages located in the Steele Ocean Sciences Building off Oxford Street in Halifax. Honoured guests toured the Beaty Centre celebrating the future launch of an educational space that will bring Dal’s expertise in ocean science to audiences beyond the university community.  

Named after donor Ross Beaty, whose $8.2 million gift in 2023 kickstarted the project, and operated by Discovery Centre International in collaboration with Dalhousie, the Beaty Centre includes over 30 exhibits and tanks that shine a spotlight on the diverse marine life found in our region and research from Dal’s world-leading ocean scientists.  Tri-lingual exhibit displays include Mi’kmaw, English, and French languages.

One of the most impressive displays at the Beaty Centre also is the skeleton of a 18-metre blue whale skeleton,  mounted to the atrium of the Steele Ocean Sciences Building. Today it was announced that the whale skeleton will be named “Michael’s Whale” in memory of Michael Albert Garron (1961-1975), beloved son of Myron and Berna Garron and cherished brother to Mark and Anthony. Michael was fascinated by the ocean and marine life and dreamed of one day becoming a marine biologist. As a child, he spent countless hours drawing and studying aquatic life. Michael’s passion for learning was nurtured by his parents, who encouraged visits to the ocean, visiting places like Peggy’s Cove, Westport Brier Island, and the West Indies. 

Tragically, Michael passed away from cancer at the age of 13. His legacy lives on through the incredible generosity of the Garron family, who have made considerable philanthropic commitments to hospitals and research institutions across Canada, including the establishment of the Michael Albert Garron Fund Scholarship at Dal in 2024. 

The blue whale skeleton featured in this exhibit was made possible through a partnership with the Marine Animal Response Society (MARS). Following a scientific necropsy conducted by MARS in collaboration with wildlife pathologists from the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at the Atlantic Veterinary College, MARS facilitated the collection of the skeleton and its provision to Dalhousie University for inclusion in the Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity. MARS also contributed to the exhibit’s educational materials related to this animal. 

The Beaty Centre will open to the public in December 2025. More information can be found on the Beaty Centre website:  beatymarinecentre.ca.

Quotes  
"We are incredibly proud to formally unveil the Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity here at Dalhousie University. Hard work and dedication from countless people inside and outside the Dal community has brought this project to life, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors to the Beaty Centre starting this December.” – Kim Brooks, President, Dalhousie University

"My family and I are delighted to see the Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity come to life. The Centre will allow visitors and students to better understand the beauty and complexity of our oceans, threats to marine environments and science-based solutions to these threats. This new facility will enhance Dalhousie’s renowned expertise in marine science for generations to come." - Ross Beaty, donor   

“We at Discovery Centre International are proud to stand beside Dalhousie University and the Beaty family in bringing this vision to life. The Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity is more than an attraction — it’s a promise: that science belongs to everyone, and that together, we can create a future defined by curiosity, courage, and collaboration." - Dov Bercovici, President & CEO, Discovery Centre International

“It is an incredible honour to officially unveil the Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity. From the outset, this project has generated a great deal of excitement and support, and Dalhousie is so incredibly lucky to be working with renowned collaborators such as Discovery Centre International. What an incredible addition to Halifax, and to Dalhousie’s campus.” - Dr. Charles Macdonald, Dean of Science, Dalhousie University  

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Media Contacts:
Mike Fleury
Senior Manager, Strategic Communications and Media Relations
mike.fleury@dal.ca
902-237-0312

Kenneth Conrad
Communications Officer, Faculty of Science
kenneth.conrad@dal.ca