On May 23, 2026, the Institute of Fish Resources (IFR) turned Varna’s Museums Night into an immersive journey beneath the waves. Held right inside the historic Aquarium Varna, the workshop welcomed 59 participants of all ages—from wide-eyed students to deeply curious adults—for a hands-on look at the health and beauty of our local sea.
Instead of just talking about conservation, the team let visitors literally get a feel for the ecosystem. Using a collection of 17 detailed 3D models of marine species, researchers walked everyone through the complex web of life in the Black Sea. It turned out to be a fantastic way to explain how food chains really work, why certain species need extra protection, and how invasive newcomers can throw the whole natural pyramid out of balance.
Visitors also dove into the bigger picture, chatting about the major threats currently facing the Black Sea and what everyday citizens can do to help. The energy in the room was contagious, and the event struck a real chord with the public. In fact, the response was so overwhelmingly positive that the team is already looking into taking the 3D models and presentations on the road to local schools!
