To restore natural ecosystems and educate the public about environmental conservation, the National Aquarium in Baltimore installed a large number of Floating Islands in multiple sizes and heights in 2024. Situated in the heart of the city’s famous Inner Harbor, the floating wetland islands are designed not only to improve water quality but also to provide a unique, immersive experience for visitors. This initiative combines ecological restoration with innovative engineering to create a habitat that mimics the area’s original Chesapeake Bay salt marshes.
A Vision of Sustainability
The harbor wetland consists of an extensive group of floating islands crafted from recycled pop and water bottles, contributing to the project’s sustainability focus. The islands are lush with native shrubs and marsh grasses. With 32,000 plants in total, the islands are not just a visual spectacle but a functional part of a larger environmental solution.
One of the goals of this project is to restore the ecological balance of the Inner Harbor, which has undergone significant changes over the years. Once a thriving tidal marsh habitat, the harbor has become less hospitable to wildlife due to pollution and urban development. By recreating this natural wetland ecosystem on the water’s surface, the Floating Islands aim to bring back some of the natural processes that once thrived in this area.
How the Floating Islands Work
The innovative design of this exhibit sets them apart from typical floating wetlands. Rather than simply floating on water, the islands are fixed to air-regulated pontoon platforms, which allow for adjustable buoyancy. This unique feature helps the wetland adjust to varying water levels and conditions, ensuring the health and stability of the ecosystem.
Unlike traditional floating islands that rely purely on internal buoyancy, these islands feature a shallow channel that circulates water through the wetland. Compressed air is pumped into the channel through strategically placed airlifts, creating water movement that mimics the natural flow found in tidal marshes. This circulation promotes healthy water quality by drawing nutrients and contaminants from the water, while also creating microhabitats for a variety of native species.
This advanced system, which combines engineered structures and natural processes, caught the attention of the scientific community. The National Aquarium team has applied for three scientific patents for their work on this groundbreaking technology, which has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach wetland restoration and water quality management.
A Thriving Ecosystem
The heart of the harbor wetland is the plant life that thrives on the floating islands. The 32,000 native shrubs and marsh grasses planted on the islands are more than just decorative; their roots grow down into the water below, where they help filter pollutants and improve water clarity. These plants also provide essential microhabitats for a variety of species, including insects, birds, and fish.
By removing excess nutrients and contaminants from the water, the plants contribute to a healthier harbor ecosystem. This is especially crucial in the Inner Harbor, where urban runoff and industrial activity have historically led to water quality problems. The plants on the floating islands not only help restore the habitat but also improve the overall health of the water, creating a more sustainable environment for wildlife and humans alike.
The islands were refuge during the “pistachio” and “mahogany tides,” naturally occurring algal blooms in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. These blooms caused water discoloration and impacted aquatic life due to oxygen depletion. The Aquarium’s conservation team noticed small animals taking shelter in the shallow channel of the new Floating Island habitats, which supplies oxygenated water through an aeration system.
Engaging the Public
In addition to the ecological benefits, the harbor wetland serves as a vibrant public space. The harbor wetland is accessible for free to all visitors, inviting people of all ages to explore and connect with nature. The floating islands are part of a larger initiative to engage the public in environmental education and conservation efforts. The floating classroom is an interactive learning space where visitors can explore the project’s science and technology.
A Model for the Future
The success of the harbor wetland project is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration. By blending engineering ingenuity with natural processes, the floating islands have created a functional and sustainable ecosystem in the heart of Baltimore. The project demonstrates how urban areas can coexist with nature, even in the face of environmental challenges like pollution and habitat loss.
The Floating Islands installed by the National Aquarium in the Baltimore Inner Harbor are more than just a beautiful sight—they are a symbol of what’s possible when we harness technology and nature together to restore ecosystems and engage the public in meaningful ways. As the plants take root and the ecosystem grows, the Harbor Wetland will continue to inspire future generations to think about how we can live in harmony with our environment, one floating island at a time.