Meanings of “Conservation”: Effects of Flexible Definitions at the Oceanic Aquarium Marine Science Centre

Abstract

Conservation is everywhere at this aquarium"Upon meeting individuals associated with the Oceanside Aquarium and Marine Science Centre (OAMSC) 1 , the most pressing question on my mind was, 'where is there evidence of conservation at this aquarium?'To this, I received comments similar to the statement made by one volunteer and participant, "conservation is everywhere at this aquarium" (Fieldnotes November 2010).At the beginning of my research, this sentiment seemed consistent with the fact that the word 'conservation' is visibly and audibly apparent in pamphlets, exhibits, gift stores, cafés, animal shows, and staff and volunteer discourse.The word conservation followed me home when I accessed the OAMSC website, and when I brought up the institution when talking with Oceanside residents and OAMSC patrons.After hearing the word used countless times in countless contexts I realized the question I needed to ask was not 'where is there conservation?',but 'what does conservation mean and to whom'?These questions seemed simple at first.I had begun a project aimed at defining a word for an institution.However, as I began researching the literature on conservation, I became aware that the word itself is not neutral or even positive outside the OAMSC and rather highly debated and critiqued (Lazaruk 2000;Thomas 2008;Willie 2003).After further research, I realized that the space of the OAMSC was actually a site of meaning-making and of contested and flexible definitions.During personal visits to various aquariums and zoos, my visceral reactions often focused on animal rights or the monetary value of nature in institutions.Although I still find these questions relevant and interesting, I can no longer ignore the importance of this particular word, especially at this particular institution, and its overall flexibility and broad social and environmental implications.

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