Exploris aquarium in Portaferry is at the centre of transfer negotiations between Ards Borough Council and Blue Reef Leisure, which manages four similar facilities in England.

The council has owned and managed the centre, which has welcomed 1.5 million visitors through its doors since 1987.

Touch tank

Features such as the touch tank, where people can hold starfish and stroke rays, have ensured that Exploris has consistently remained within Northern Ireland's top 10 tourist attractions.

However, costs of sustaining the aquarium have escalated and the council is now seeking private investment.

Councillor Simon Hamilton, chairman of the Exploris sub-committee, said funding the necessary development would place too great a burden on ratepayers.

'Improvements'

Blue Reef managing director Ian Cunningham is confident his company can deliver the improvements.

He said: "We intend to have in place a series of exhibitions which will compliment existing products and ensure that Northern Ireland's aquarium really is a 'must see' world-class visitor attraction."

However, Mr Hamilton stressed that any lease agreement with Blue Reef would be subject to strict stipulations.

He said: "The facility will have to operate in its current form for five years and the interpretation of Strangford Lough will continue to be a significant feature of the aquarium."

Seal sanctuary

The centre has operated a seal sanctuary since 1999 for injured and orphaned seal pups, and has released 200 back into the wild.

Exploris' general manager Helena Challinor said she hoped this would continue.

"We realise there are areas that need improvement but we would hope that if we join Blue Reef less cost-effective sectors, such as our seal rehabilitation sanctuary and our education programme, would still be of high importance," she said.

The transfer of management to Blue Reef is likely to take place later this year.