A new direction - A Fascination for Fish: Adventures of an Underwater Pioneer - page 305

and for good reason. As the evidence accumulates, it is becoming clear
that the ocean is highly vulnerable, its living resources finite, not infinite
as many have thought. Oil spills and pollution are a constant threat,
and overfishing has depleted most of the commercial fish populations
beyond sustainable levels. Obviously, the most vital message we can
pass on to the coming generation is the importance of protecting the
oceans and their inhabitants. The future of humankind and countless
other species depends upon it.
I believe the key role of the Monterey Bay Aquarium is to promote
conservation, as it should be for every public aquarium. Certainly, it's
the message I take with me into the world. Like all biologists, I'm con-
cerned about the accelerating worldwide destruction of habitats, de-
pletion of rain forests in Southeast Asia and North and South Amer-
ica, overgrazing of African lands, pollution of air and water, and the
ongoing extinction of species. All of these are a direct result of pres-
sures from out-of-control human population growth. Not only is the
quality of life for the majority of people on our planet declining be-
cause of overpopulation, but an incredibly complex system that we do
not understand is being a¤ected, a system that is the life support for
all creatures. Despite our remarkable technology, we humans are not
above the physical and biological laws that govern this planet. If we
are not able to use our brains and learn to control ourselves, something
most unpleasant will control us. In the meantime, we're threatening
opportunities for people of all ages to be exposed to the wonders of
the natural world.
I can't do much about these issues alone. What I can do is encour-
age others to appreciate and care for the world of nature and all that
lives in it. This is challenge enough in a world where many children—
even some who live within a few miles of Monterey Bay—have never
seen the ocean and perhaps never will. Aquariums o¤er many people,
including those who know the ocean well from on top, the only op-
portunity they may ever have to see and appreciate the wonders of the
life forms beneath the surface, an experience that, we can only hope,
will motivate them to protect the varied habitats and creatures of that
remarkable realm.
As exciting as the Monterey Bay Aquarium is, I am always reminded