The goal is to “make this the most attractive venue in the city,” said Jon Dohlin, aquarium director.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg -- sprinkling his remarks with groan-inducing fish puns like “We care a halibut this project” -- said the initiative was important particularly during an economic crisis. “We’re not going to make the same mistakes of the 1970s,” when a cash-strapped city severely cut back on cultural and enrichment programs. “It took decades to recover from that,” he said.

Tourism, Bloomberg said, brings billions of dollars and tens of thousands of jobs into New York City; enhancing the aquarium as a tourist destination would be a huge part of the industry, he said.

The project, beginning with an investment of $100 million, is a partnership among the Wildlife Conservation Society, New York City, and the Borough of Brooklyn, along with about 40 percent support from private donors. Officials said future costs would be determined as the project moves forward.

Plans include:

An Ocean Wonders exhibit -- highlighted by a new exhibit increasing the shark population to more than 30 from the current eight -- and expanded indoor space for year-‘round programs. A “completely new” Conservation Hall, showcasing several aquatic habitats under protection by WCS; A “re-imagined” Aquatheater A new Aquarium exterior along the boardwalk and Surf Avenue, connecting the Aquarium with the ocean; An expanded marine conservation program, protecting marine life locally, in New York Harbor, and around the world.

Also at the dinner, Cynthia Reich was honored for her fundraising for the aquarium. With tongue firmly in cheek, Reich presented an “Ode to Me,” which actually was just the opposite – she thanked and praised WSC and city officials and the staff at the aquarium for making the project possible.

The New York Aquarium, open all year ’round, is the oldest continuously operating aquarium in the United States. Some 750,000 people visit every year. It is also an officially designated Coastal Education Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

For ticket and other information on the aquarium, call 718-265-FISH or visit the website at www.nyaquarium.com.