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Wednesday, February 20th 2008, 4:00 AM Eastern
Ferry passengers don't usually see such exotic sea life in Staten Island's waters. Tanks packed with 20 tons of water - holding 400 tropical fish and costing $750,000 - were unveiled by Mayor Bloomberg at the Staten Island ferry terminal Tuesday. And the mayor also showcased a very fishy sense of humor. "I just have to say, 'holy mackerel,'" he said as his audience groaned. "What's the porpoise, you might ask? These are beautiful tanks that are destined to become a great new attraction on Staten Island."
The 8-foot-high tanks hold fish usually found on colorful coral reefs - including powder blue tang, Pakistani butterfly and scribbled angel. The tanks are so heavy, steel beams have had to be used to reinforce the terminal floor. "The tanks will exert a calming influence on harried commuters," said Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro, who was inspired after seeing similar aquariums at an airport in Sarasota, Fla.
Bloomberg is known to be a fish fan and installed tanks in his offices decades ago. "I've been hooked ever since," he said. The cash for the project, which will be maintained by staff at the Staten Island Zoo, came from the borough's capital fund. "I really don't think people have a reason to carp about this," Bloomberg quipped. Gene Russianoff, spokesman for the Straphangers Campaign, said his group had no problem with the money's use. |
