Just Announced today from Georgia Aquarium

[Trixxie]

Hey K and RW

better in the Aquarium than on a dinner plate in Taiwan, no???? which is where they would have ended up if not taken to the Aquarium.

The animals there have it made, they eat better food than many people do, they have the highest quality of care, we have learned A LOT about them in the short time they have been here. I too would prefer to see these animals in the wild, but if having them here brings awareness to MILLIONS of people who would otherwise be ignorant of the different perils these and other marine animals face (over fishing, shark finning, pollution etc etc) then I say have them and teach the people to live with these beautiful creatures and not DESTROY them.

safe diving!

 

[Buoyant1]

They had a nice piece on it on the Today Show this am....can't believe that they have Whale Sharks!

 

[ChrisM]

Pray tell, what have you learned?

Frankly, I'd prefer to give them a shot at survival in the wild over starvation in a pen. But that's me

 

[BKP]

Philosophically, I can't support such programs because I'm opposed to the impoundment of such animals.

I think purchasing a ticket would be actively supporting such actions.

the K

I'm with Kraken on this.

The aquarium has unfortunately lost a couple of their whale sharks, Ralph and Norton. I believe they're still looking for the answer as to what caused the problem. They initially believed it may have been the way they treated the tank for parasites.

However, they have received a couple more young ones from Taiwan.

If you're interested in doing the dive (and it's a fabulously huge tank), you better get signed up soon. The dive doesn't open until July, and from the time of the announcement to about 4pm this afternoon, the spots were evaporating at lightening speed, despite the cost.

I'll keep watching from the tunnel...

 

[johnnyseko]

Yeah, what K man said.

 

[Pseudocyber]

We had season passes to the Aquarium last year - I've been about 5 or 6 times. I haven't seen many Aquariums - but I would have a hard time believing that it's not a World Class Aquarium. I might have my facts wrong - but I think the Acrylic "Wall" is the second largest in the world - to Japan - which is a few inches wider - you would think they would have sprung for that extra 6".

I think the attraction - and what I would imagine that we as divers (or me as a wannabe) - should encourage is exposure to the diverse life on and under the water - that sadly - most people will hardly ever know.

With every day divers entering the tank - and becoming part of the exhibit - we can show other people, and kids particularly, that they can aspire to becoming certified and "live the adventure".

Plus I'd like to prove to my 10 year old daughter, right in front of her eyes, that yes, I can dive with sharks and not be eaten.

If I had a spare $300 sitting around (after I've bought all my gear) - I'd do it.

 

[BKP]

...
If I had a spare $300 sitting around (after I've bought all my gear) - I'd do it.

Well... you actually don't need any gear. In fact, they won't *let* you use your own gear. Like the "Living Seas" at Epcot, they supply everything (you can bring your own mask).

P.S. - I agree entirely... been there a few times, and it is without doubt a world class aquarium. The Ocean Voyager tank, where the whale shark dive will take place, is (to me) the most spectacular. The kids, however, liked the beluga whales... they tend to 'show off' and interact with the visitors...

 

[The Kraken]

I like the motto of the state of Vermont (I think) or it may be New Hampshire,

Live Free or Die.

With all due respect to the scientific community and what it may gain in the information and knowledge gained from the imprisonment of the whale sharks, I cannot accept that an animal that large, accustomed to moving about freely throughout the oceans of the earth, can become accustomed to the bonds of captivity in such a small surround.

It reminds me of my younger years when I'd go to a circus and see the elephants, with chains around their legs, staked out in some random spot, rocking back and forth just trying to make life viable.

Big mammals swimming in circles and circles and circles and circles . . .

Besides, how can one learn about the natural behaviour of an animal when it's not in its natural environment?

But I must apologize for hijacking this thread.

I will post no more.

the K

 

[shellbackdiver1]

better in the Aquarium than on a dinner plate in Taiwan, no????

I think last year the quota was 19. As of this year it is illegal to harvest Whale Sharks in Taiwan. Doesn't mean that its not going to happen but at least its a move in the right direction.

 

[Trixxie]

Yeah, what K man said.

awwww man, dissed by a former co worker....

how's it goin btw?