Some unique conservation themed 'fishmas' trees have gone on display at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium.  Four seven-foot tall majestic spruces have been imaginatively decorated with a diverse range of items from plastic carrier bags to Chinese soup bowls to highlight a range of important marine issues.

On first glance the trees appear to be traditional, but on closer examination guests will see all is not as it appears. The Rubbish Tree is decorated entirely from rubbish (plastic bags, bottle tops, tin cans) representing marine pollution. The Coral Tree features bright tropical fish and twinkling coral coloured lights - a reminder of the delicate reefs that are being slowly eroded. The Shark Finning Tree features 36 Chinese soup bowls - each one representing one million sharks; an estimated 36 million are killed for their fins annually.  Finally, the Save British Fish Tree is a jolly reflection of British shorelines - which face a not-so-jolly future unless habitats are protected.

A fifth tree made entirely of ice to reflect climate change was also on show for 24 hours until it gradually melted away. The trees will be on display until Christmas Eve.

As well as the ‘fishmas’ trees, guests to the SEA LIFE London Aquarium can enjoy an icy Christmas Grotto in the Gentoo Penguins’ frosty Antarctic-themed home where they can  meet Santa - as well as coming face to fin with thousands of awesome marine creatures. For more information go to www.visitsealife.com/london/

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GETTING THERE

·         Discounts and fast track entry available with online booking - visit www.sealife.co.uk/london

·         Nearest tubes: Westminster/Waterloo

·         Open seven days a week from 10am with last entry at 6pm and prices start from £15.53 per adult and £11.25 per child

For further information please contact Emma Kaye or Amy Williams at freerange communications on 020 7402 9966 or emma@freerange.eu

Notes to Editors:

Top booking tip: Book your ticket online and visit after 3pm and not only do you get the best value ticket – from just £15.53 per adult and £11.25 per child – but you also get to stroll around the attraction while it’s quiet AND catch the penguins’ last feed of the day (4pm). Visit: http://www.visitsealife.com/London/Ticket-Prices/After3pmTicket/ for info.

MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS is the leading name in location-based, family entertainment, and has seen dynamic growth sector over the last five years. Europe’s Number 1 and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates 99 attractions, eight hotels/three holiday villages in 22 countries and across four continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 54 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and more than 22,000 employees. 

Among Merlin’s attractions are  - SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The EDF Energy London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, THORPE PARK, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Blackpool Tower, Heide Park Resort, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney Tower Eye and SKYWALK, Siam Ocean World and Busan Aquarium.  All brands which are distinctive, challenging and innovative – and which have great potential for growth in the future. Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.