Feasibility Study for a Wisconsin Public Aquarium
File(s)
Date
1988-12Author
Korb, Randall
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources
Metadata
Show full item recordPermanent Link
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/80430Description
THE NEED FOR A PUBLIC AQUARIUM IN WISCONSIN:
Wisconsin's aquatic resources are diverse, high-quality, popular, and
extremely valuable. The state's water resources include 15,000 inland
lakes, 41,000 miles of rivers and streams and 6.4 million acres of Great
Lakes. Over 2 million anglers enjoy 36 million days of fishing
Wisconsin's waters each year.
It ls difficult to overestimate the importance of water resources to the
state's economy. Water ls vital to heavy industry in transporting raw
materials, in the manufacturing process, cooling power plants and
carrying away effluent and waste. Our water resources are extremely
important to tourism, Wisconsin's second largest industry. Shorelines
attract thousands of home, cottage and resort owners. More nonresidents
buy fishing licenses in Wisconsin than any other state. The market
value of the Great Lakes fishery is placed at $1.4 billion, and the
value to the region's economy at more than three times that amount
(Bishop, 1987). In 1986, the Door County peninsula attracted over
440,000 tourists, over half from out-of-state, who contributed almost
$70 million to the county's economy in July and August alone (Door
County Chamber of Commerce and Wisconsin Bell, 1987).
In view of the heavy demand placed on state waters by industrial,
commercial, and recreational interests, it is imperative that all
resource users be aware of the value and importance of water in our
lives. A public that understands its dependency on water is more likely
to be able to resolve complex water issues and decide matters in ways
that ensure clean water for all interests.
To inform the public on the importance of water resources is the goal of
aquatic education. Students in Midwest states have very low levels of
knowledge as to the importance of water (Fortner and Mayer, 1983 and
1988). We need to increase awareness, knowledge, and develop proper
attitudes toward water in people, especially young people, through
aquatic education. If people are informed, they are prepared to make
the right choices that will protect our water resources.