Diving with Captive Whale Sharks?
|
Over a year ago, the Georgia Aquarium
initiated a program
that I am asking you to give thought to and consider:
Where do you
stand?
The concept is marketed as Swim with Gentle Giants and allows
participants to swim or scuba in the exhibit tank with the
aquarium’s 4 resident whale sharks. The cost and other details can
be viewed on the aquarium’s website:
www.georgiaaquarium.com.
|
Photo: Peter
Nicholas
Australian Institute of Marine Science |
Since its inception, there has been some controversy involving
the aquarium’s decision to include whale sharks
among the many species on display. The aquarium’s position has been
that they are fundamentally concerned with both scientific research
and public education and this is consistent with the acquisition and
confinement of these animals. The aquarium’s stance on this issue is
not outside the parameters of debate within the scientific
community.
It is my belief
that some large, pelagic fish and marine mammals are not suitable
for confinement in aquariums unless for rehabilitative purposes.
Although the experience can be enticing, I believe that divers should consider if
endorsing such programs is self-serving and is, in reality, counter
to the best interests of the species that they wish to encounter.
Understand that whale sharks naturally make long migrations and dive
to extreme depths. It is my position that whale shark encounters
should be left to the chances of the open sea and confinement in a
ten meter deep tank is too high a price to pay for the opportunity.
As a result,
I am urging divers to thoughtfully
consider their support and participation in this endeavor.
My
intention is not to defame the Georgia Aquarium, but instead to urge
that they reconsider this program and carefully determine if this
activity truly meets their scientific and educational goals.
I suggest you read this article that appeared in the
Atlanta Journal and Constitution.
You can learn
more about whale sharks at:
Thank you for considering this perspective and
whatever you decide, keep our oceans blue!
Steve
|
