Hot weather blamed for a chill in aquarium profits

Jan 11 2008 by Alex Turner, Liverpool Daily Post

ELLESMERE Port’s Blue Planet Aquarium owner, Deep Sea Leisure, yesterday blamed warm weather last Easter for a fall in visitor numbers as it announced its lowest profits for four years.

The company recorded pre-tax profits of £1.31m in the year to October 31, 2007, down £98,000 from 2006 and £325,000 lower than its high in 2004.

Deep Sea Leisure, which also operates Deep Sea World, near Edinburgh, saw visitor numbers fall 5% in 2007 but in April alone they plunged 28%. Conversely, the indoor attractions enjoyed a significant rise in visitors in July, thanks to above-average rainfall for the month, but not enough to offset Easter’s woes.

The company faced significant increases in utility costs while the management fee paid to its parent company, Aspro Group, also rose.

Increases in admission prices helped turnover to rise 0.9% in 2007 to £6.535m.

The board is not recommending a final dividend, but chairman Angel Barrachina is encouraged by plans for 2008 and the expected benefits from Liverpool 08.

“Blue Planet Aquarium celebrates its 10th birthday in 2008, and events will be held throughout the year to mark the occasion and encourage repeat visitation,” he said.

“Blue Planet Aquarium should also benefit from Liverpool’s status as City of Culture in 2008, and the increased visitors to the city.

“We are also continuing to expand the range of experiences at our aquariums, such as diving and our ‘crew for a day’ packages, and to diversify our revenue streams.”

Deep Sea Leisure introduced 98 new species at its Ellesmere Port aquarium and increased the number of fish held by nearly one-third, to 3,274.

A premium product fair trade coffee bar, along with locally-made ice-cream products, saw spends increase over the summer, while a new simulator ride also boosted revenues at Blue Planet.