AQUARIUMDIVING
Sand tiger sharks are often exhibited at aquariums , as they adapt to the captive environment more easily than other large sharks
PHOTO : SIMON ROGERSON
Educational materials at Deep Sea World
Ethical questions
Some people question the ethics of aquariums ; others have wider objections to captive animals in general . However , the Shark Trust , a UK-based conservation organisation that aims to safeguard the future of sharks , works with aquariums around the world and believes there are benefits . These include the valuable opportunities to learn more about marine animals and to allow large numbers of people to develop a positive connection with sharks and rays . Aquariums can help the trust to reach new supporters , increase engagement with shark conservation and raise funds to further its work .
The Trust does , however , ask aquariums to carefully consider every animal that they bring into their collections . Can they deliver care throughout the animal ’ s life ? Can they deliver effective education and engagement around this animal ? Can the animal ’ s presence in their collection genuinely further species conservation or scientific understanding ? If the answer is ‘ No ’, then aquariums are asked to think again .
Many of the sharks on display are of the smaller species , but as husbandry methods and captive breeding programmes improve , larger sharks are joining the collections . The Trust ’ s stated view is that it ’ s inappropriate to attempt to keep plankton-
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