I visited New England Aquarium for the research project. The aquarium faces the sea and has a huge multi-level aquarium that can be viewed through a spiral walkway. I visited the aquarium for a presentation and was very much looking forward to it, as it was the first time I had been to the aquarium since elementary school.
Although it was a weekday, the aquarium was crowded with families. Children’s eyes lit up at the sight of colorful fish, coral reefs, cute penguins, and seals. After entering the aquarium, there was a corner where visitors could touch stingrays. I thought it was an excellent experience to touch the sea creatures, as it made me feel closer to them and nurtured my desire to take good care of them. In the center of the aquarium was one of the world’s most giant tanks, in which more than 2,000 fish were swimming g. This tank has a huge coral reef that protects the marine ecosystem by providing a home and spawning ground for fish. This coral reef is almost entirely artificial, and only a tiny portion of the top is a natural coral reef. Coral reefs that fit in these huge tanks take decades to grow, so harvesting such a prolific coral reef would destroy the marine ecosystem. However, the aquarium displays the reefs in an environmentally friendly way. Aquarium researchers study reefs around the world to monitor coral and fish populations. They also support coral conservation efforts by creating marine protected areas to prevent overfishing and pollution in coral reefs. This aquarium is doing great work to preserve coral reefs.
Since ancient times, the sea has been indispensable for transporting goods and an abundance of food, and we have used the sea to develop industry and achieve modernity. To continue to benefit from the sea in the future, I hope everyone continues to work toward an end where we can coexist with marine life.
Rio Takase
