foundations in its bid to expand, it has emerged.

The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo (BAMZ) intends to build an education and administration centre on the Harrington Sound side of its Smith's Parish site.

But the shoreline there is severely undercut as it is all around Harrington Sound, revealed the Aquarium and Zoo's new principal curator Jack Ward.

The undercut was created by bioerosion, explained Mr. Ward. Marine animals such as mussels and sponges caused the erosion, not waves as is the case on Bermuda's coastline.

Beneath the BAMZ site there is an undercut of some 15 to 20 feet, he continued, and this means that the shoreline there will have to be shored up before construction can begin on the new centre.

If the work is not done, there is a high risk of the buildings above it sliding off into the ocean, said Mr. Ward.

A wall will be built up at the opening of the undercut and then the existing cave there will be filled with concrete.

Mr. Ward noted that the work would create an impact on the marine environment and stressed that issue was looked at.

"It is correct to say that anytime you interfere with the marine environment you cause some damage,'' he said. "We are attempting to minimise the impact at this location but clearly there will be some.'' He pointed out: "There is not much in the way of significant life at the location. It is not a teeming site.'' Tenders to do the work are being invited from marine contractors and forms can be picked up, and dropped off when completed, at the Ministry of Works and Engineering office on the third floor of the General Post Office building by 3 p.m. on October 8.

There will be a mandatory site meeting for all prospective contractors today at 10.30 a.m.