Comments on: Fishin’ for Tourist Dollars: Museums in the News

By: Gina Cerrito

Gina Cerrito — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:10:51 +0000

Both excellent points! It would be great if this museum could create a new generation of Teddy Roosevelt-type conservationists!

I think the stocked fishing area would be seen as an interactive exhibit where fishing practices could be addressed. Most people don’t know the damage that is done from certain fishing techniques like trawling and long line. This could really open the eyes of visitors. Similar to our Edge of the Sea exhibit where visitors get to touch seastars to understand that they are local. Making connections to the local environment can have a huge impact when trying to save the planet:)

By: Tufts Museum Studies | Museums in the News – The ?? Roundup

Tufts Museum Studies | Museums in the News – The ?? Roundup — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 17:05:14 +0000

[...] Museum price tag could go up $1M (proposed Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum) [especially interesting in light of Cynthia's recent post.] [...]

By: Cynthia Robinson

Cynthia Robinson — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 19:03:16 +0000

Good to know that the museum has a strong education program, Gina. Your points also make me think that this museum may draw people who don’t normally go to museum, and that as you suggest, they may actually do something with what they learn. And Amanda, some of the biggest supporters of conservation activities are associations of anglers and hunters!

By: Amanda Gustin

Amanda Gustin — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 15:54:18 +0000

Gina, reading the article, one of the things that struck me was that eventually visitors would be able to fish from the museum’s stocked lake. I’m torn on this. On the one hand, it’s a great hands-on experience in line with the museum’s subject matter and a chance to teach about responsible fishery management. On the other – wouldn’t this be something like the New England Aquarium breeding starfish and then selling them in the gift shop? I’m really not sure which side I come down on!

By: Gina Cerrito

Gina Cerrito — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 13:58:07 +0000

Thanks for posting this article – I plan on sharing this with everyone in my department here at the New England Aquarium.

I think a museum based on a hobby costing the tax-payers $14 million maybe less than a good idea. However, the museum has an amazing platform to educate the community about both their local ecology, something most school children are lacking in my experience. They can tell you all about the Rainforest, but have no idea what is located right out their front door. The Georgia Aquarium located in Atlanta is fantastic, however, maybe too far for some people to travel. This may be a great alternative.

This museum also has the opportunity to discuss some of the “big five” issues facing the oceans like fisheries, and agricultural run-off which is creating dead zones in the Gulf which was happening long before the oil spill last year.

Creating a visiting public that can use their voices outside of the museum to raise awareness and make change should be the ultimate of this project. Maybe then the tax-payers won’t get so hung up on the cost of the building but see it as an investiment in their state’s future.