Abstract
A review of the level of public awareness and concern for ocean problems is presented. This draws on and summarises the results of a national US survey ‘Communicating about Oceans’. It is commonly agreed that the public possesses only a very basic understanding of the oceans, their functions and connections to human survival. Interpretative theory suggests that raising awareness involves marrying factual information with people’s personal experience, values and everyday lives. This paper then further considers the role that museums and aquaria should play in promoting awareness of environmental issues. Sentiments expressed at the Global Conference on Oceans held in Paris in 2003 are reviewed and good practice identified. A critique of The Deep, the latest UK marine ‘edu-tainment’ attraction, advocates the need for additional links to environmental issues. In particular attention needs to be given to the translation of core terminology (i.e., scientific terms) into appropriate and accessible language; increasing the potential for interactive and IT-based interpretation; and the balance of ‘intrinsic’ and ‘ersatz’ exhibits and objects. Maritime attraction-based learning materials are also evaluated in the context of widening participation. Conclusions relating to interpretative media will feed into a major new project at the UK National Maritime Museum (NMM). The ‘Eco Room’ is to be a unique and innovative gallery exploring the subject of marine stewardship and public citizenship. The spatial concept for this gallery, its thematic framework and structure are explained, with the intention of reflecting best practice in raising awareness of the need for sustainable coastal and ocean management.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Littoral 2004: 7th International Symposium: Delivering Sustainable Coasts: Connecting Science and Policy |
Editors | D. Green |
Place of Publication | Cambridge |
Publisher | Cambridge University Press |
Pages | 310-315 |
Number of pages | 6 |
ISBN (Print) | 0954008104 |
Publication status | Published - 2004 |
Event | Littoral 2004: 7th International Symposium: Delivering Sustainable Coasts: Connecting Science and Policy - Aberdeen, Scotland Duration: 20 Sept 2004 → 22 Sept 2004 |
Conference
Conference | Littoral 2004: 7th International Symposium: Delivering Sustainable Coasts: Connecting Science and Policy |
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Period | 20/09/04 → 22/09/04 |