The Monterrey Bay Aquarium

I love the collection, the setting, and the aesthetics of the Monterrey Bay Aquarium. Who but a complete dolt could argue against seeing giant ocean sunfish, torpedo-like tuna, scads of anchovies swimming around a column, giant octopi, and all of that? And what a great way to interest people in learning about science.

Unfortunately, the big opportunity, which is to actually teach people about science, rather than simply to tickle their interest, is completely lost at the Monterrey Bay Aquarium, where the administration has decided to focus almost exclusively on preaching about environmental issues.

Even in the restroom, where we have little signs reminding us that "Paper towels = trees," the visitor is almost constantly assaulted with calls to action. Every exhibit seems to culminate in a "what can you do?" moment, where the visitor is urged, not to learn, but to ACT, and ACT NOW! Congressmen are standing by!

Look, I am all in favor of ocean conservation, especially to protect our fisheries (because to lose some of the exquisite types of fish that can grace our tables would be a tremendous loss to human culture), even to the point of restrictive legislation and fishing season buy-outs, and all of that stuff that sends the free-market fetishists climbing up walls.

However, environmental agitprop is hardly an endangered species. I can hardly turn around without being told that such and such a thing will help the planet (because being simplistic is what it is all about!), that driving such and such a car is going to make the air cleaner, and so forth.

However, I really doubt that anyone who is going to marvel at the beauties of the kelp forest really needs to be convinced that it is important to not foul the oceans like a bunch of vodka-drunk commies on a nuclear-reactor dumping bender.

And if they do, why does it have to be so insistant and to come at the expense of science education?

What do I mean by "at the expense of science education?"

1. Far too many specimens without adequate labeling, including such basic information on some rather strange looking creatures (is it a fish? or what? Who knows? Who cares? If you buy soda, be sure to cut the little can connectors to save turtles).

2. Lack of range information on many specimens - including a few maddening ones that basically say, "its range is shrinking" but giving no clue as to which ocean the thing is found in.

3. Too much presentation of disputed points as scientific consensus.

4. No discussion of scientific method and free inquiry.

Now, this is not to say that I do not love going there. The Outer Bay, the Kelp Forest, the Art of the Jellyfish, these are all fantastic exhibits. The tropical stuff? Well, it is a good exhibit, but it is hard to see it as anything but an attempt to cash in on Finding Nemo, and the insipid synth-calypso music that is looped over and over and over and over again begins to make the visitor crave a 24-7 construction site, which would at least have some variety.

However, the place has slipped further and further into this muck since it opened, and it is not a good direction for a science museum. It is interesting to note that I have not had to pay admission to the place for my last three or four visits. I could see myself being a tad irate if I had.

What brought this on? I haven't been to the aquarium for a couple of months, but looking at YouTube for leaping sharks brought me to a very good video about shark attacks and the Monterrey Bay Aquarium:

Posted by erik at December 11, 2006 9:54 AM