A PUBLIC AQUARIUM TO REVITALIZE TINAPA AND HELP PROTECT AQUATIC LIVES IN NIGERIA

Wouangni Tchouamo Patrice Bertin,

Rivers State University,

ABSTRACT

It is widely accepted that Tinapa projects are in crisis. They face a barrage of daily threats including facilities degradation, lack of federal government policy to support the free trade zone, high maintenance cost and underutilization of existing infrastructures. While Tinapa need crowd to function, the coastal line is overcrowded and the strain on Nigeria waters is conspicuous. They face the treats of overfishing, habitat degradation, increased runoff and septic discharge from coast settlements. This paper will show that with the development of a public aquarium , with programs instituting and implementing conservation solution that will stimulate public involvement, we can provide the crowd Tinapa needs to function and at the same time create public awareness to the protection and conservation of marine species and the environment. With the case study of some aquariums that have contributed to the economic revival and growth of the localities they are built, this study will evaluate challenges and opportunities associated with the development and expansion of aquarium programs to promote personal and civic oriented activity that will revive Tinapaand protect aquatic resources.