| Author | Supanuth Chuerattanakul |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Aquaculture and Aquatic Resource Management, School of Environment and Resources Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Since the existence of aquariums in the past, it is often debated on both benefit and cost to the well-being and right of the animals. Recently, the primary purpose of aquarium is shifted from entertainment to conservation. Through entertaining yet educational, visitors are more awareness of conservation issues after the aquarium visit. However, little is known about the visitors’ interest, engagement, awareness and outcome of conservation learning.
This research examines visitors’ preferences, conservation awareness and effectiveness of aquariums as a center of conservation education. This paper further provides recommendations - tangible ways to communicate with visitors, mobilizing them to take appropriate actions in order to accelerate aquariums’ goal of conservation. In order to assess this data, questionnaire was used (n = 259) in three locations - Bangsaen Institute of Marine Science, Bangkok aquarium and Underwater World Pattaya, Thailand.
The findings suggest that aquarium visitors are endorsed in pro- environmental attitudes and high in environmental knowledge. Visitors are willing to accept conservation message especially practical information. Aquariums are effective in conveying conservation message. The visitors learnt new environmental issues, care more about well-being of animals and know their roles in environment protection. However, there is still a need to improve on certain features such as insufficient number of staffs.
The recommendation from this study is that conservation messages should be emotionally appealing to target group, linked to daily activities and connected to past experience or interest of visitors. Signs and knowledge staffs should be strategically located in area of highlighted species. |
| Keyword | Royal Thai Government |
| Year | 2011 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (Former title: Department of Food Agriculture, and BioResources (DFAB)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Agricultural and Aquatic Systems(AS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Yakupitiyage, Amararatne ; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Gallardo, Wenresti GlinoGallardo ;Lionel Dabbadie; |