What are your thougts in regards to Aquariums?

[Rissask]

Originally Posted by MWC

Some of them have been weakened by viruses or injuries. At least once, some type of baby whale veered wildly off its migration course, and ended up in Long Island Sound. It was taken to Mystic to recover its strength before releasing it back into the wild.
That kind of thing.

And too much blow, of course, can really clog up the blowhole ...

Ahhh....but these aren't the same types of people who run the aquariums.... ...I see what you mean, and sure, that type of thing is motivated by the right reasons, moreso.

[itsmysecondtime]

Originally Posted by jtm1631

I find them to be depressing and I'm not surprised to hear that some of the larger inmates are dying.

Dolphins, whales and most other species are not meant to live their lives in a bathtub.

No argument there fellow jtm1631.

I should admit that I have in fact been to quite a few aquariums in the past, including most recently to the New England aquarium in Boston.

I find credible arguments along the line of research into improved preservation and rehabilitation methods, but this particular argument is limiting in scope, failing to justify the vast range of entrapment and containment practices occurring on a daily basis for mere entertainment value.

[itsmysecondtime]

Originally Posted by Rissask

Ahhh....but these aren't the same types of people who run the aquariums.... ...I see what you mean, and sure, that type of thing is motivated by the right reasons, moreso.

Actually some of these folks do coexist at times, given the parity of objectives, resources and facilities involved. Unfortunately that is not the norm worldwide.

[PantherCTE]

In the case of the whale shark. A cnn interview of the Director of the aquarium said they "rescued" the whale sharks from Taiwan, I think. In Taiwan they eat whale shark and are alotted a certain number each year to catch. Taiwan gave 4, I think, of those alotted to the aquarium.

[UGAplaya]

Originally Posted by PantherCTE

In the case of the whale shark. A cnn interview of the Director of the aquarium said they "rescued" the whale sharks from Taiwan, I think. In Taiwan they eat whale shark and are alotted a certain number each year to catch. Taiwan gave 4, I think, of those alotted to the aquarium.

That's true. I think Taiwan is allowed to kill 60 whale sharks a year to eat. I bet that's some tough fish... Nasty.

[Tommygurl]

We like to visit the Hatfield Marine center when we are in Oregon.
http://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/visitor/
Not an aquarium per say...but gives us & the kids a chance to see the different marine animals & get a sense of the science involved....

[MWC]

Originally Posted by UGAplaya

That's true. I think Taiwan is allowed to kill 60 whale sharks a year to eat. I bet that's some tough fish... Nasty.

But a tasty salad from their baleen. Ummmmmmmmmmmm, photoplankton!

[james]

I'd prefer the efforts went into programs to save the reefs, study and enforce renewable fishing models, and provide for education in areas where populations of turtles are being wiped out (still) by people killing mothers for their eggs (as an example.)

I always enjoyed aquariums growing up, and have kept marine aquariums for several years. I know that my purchases probably supported dangerous reef harvesting methods, but I didn't know that then. Nowadays, I prefer to experience the real environment in a delicate and respectful manner, where I've seen dolphins, whale sharks, manatee, sharks, turtles, mantas and lots more. I realize not everyone gets that chance. Balance is tough!