MADEIRA BEACH - When the Pier Aquarium relocates to John's Pass Village at the end of 2012 it will be called Secrets of the Sea Marine Exploration Center and Aquarium. President and CEO Howard Rutherford unveiled the new name Tuesday and the opening date of Dec. 12, 2012. The exact time: 12:12 p.m., of course.

The 12,500-square-foot aquarium is expected to draw 250,000 people a year and generate $8 million into the local economy based on tourism predictions. It is designed to educate visitors on the role scientists play in learning about the ocean and how that research affects the environment, business, tourism and beyond.