NOAA Pacific Regional Center

Ardurra designed aquatic life support systems for NOAA's $240 million Pacific Regional Center, consolidating research activities across Honolulu within preserved and restored historic World War II Navy hangars on Ford Island. The cutting-edge facility houses 13 specialized life-support systems that support 100,000 gallons of marine animal tanks containing critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals, endangered green turtles, overfished big-eye tuna, and depleted coral species.

The complex project required simulating open-ocean water-quality conditions within Pearl Harbor's impacted environment, necessitating advanced water-treatment technologies. Several tanks require ultra-low nitrate levels well below typical marine aquarium standards, necessitating intensive denitrification and specialized nitrate-removal systems to support NOAA's critical research mission.

Key Life Support System Design:

• Designed thirteen aquatic life support systems for 100,000 gallons of marine animal tanks supporting endangered species research

• Engineered systems for critically endangered species, including Hawaiian monk seals, green turtles, big-eye tuna, and coral species

• Developed ultra-low nitrate systems employing intensive denitrification and specialized removal technologies exceeding standard aquarium requirements

• Simulated open ocean water quality within Pearl Harbor's impacted environment, supporting authentic research conditions

• Conducted a comprehensive Seawater Study benchmarking against coastal aquariums and evaluating design approach alternatives

• Compared open, semi-open, and closed systems, analyzing seawater source and discharge alternatives for optimal performance

• Integrated within the historic preservation of World War II Navy hangars, maintaining cultural significance while supporting modern research

The life support systems enable NOAA's critical marine research while preserving historic Ford Island infrastructure. Advanced water treatment technology and comprehensive planning support endangered species conservation research within this unique Pearl Harbor facility, combining historical preservation with cutting-edge marine science capabilities.