23 February, 2000
09:20-10:00 Special Session US-Japan collaborative coral reef study
The importance of public education to coral reef biology and conservation
Gregory Stone
New England Aquarium
Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110
U.S.A.
gstone2000@aol.com
Public education on coral reef biology and conservation is key to creating a sense of stewardship in people to protect coral reefs, enabling conservation legislation and regulations, and to increasing support for research. Aquariums have unique roles as communicators to the general public throughout the world. Information on coral reef biology and conservation can be easily available to the public through exhibits, educational materials, and films. The quality of these materials must be high and the delivery engaging and in some cases entertaining. Aquariums form an important link between the research community and the public on of coral research and conservation. This presentation will show examples of film media on coral reef conservation developed for and by Aquariums. It will also feature a pre-broadcast viewing of a National Geographic Documentary on coral reef research conducted jointly by JAMSTEC and U.S. Scientists in the Aquarius Underwater Habitat during 1999 titled A Home Under The Sea.
