Ocean Sentry
(From bangkokpost.com)- A new 600-million-baht aquarium will open its doors to visitors at the Chiang Mai Zoo in October amid growing concern by environmentalists over the exploitation of marine animals to serve the tourism industry. Wildlife advocate Nikhom Puttha said the rapid growth of aquarium businesses was not only a serious threat to marine and freshwater animals but also the ecological systems. Mr Nikhom said most aquariums and zoos were focused on recreational activities and tourism, rather than educational purposes. The opening of the aquarium, however, has raised concerns among environmentalists, who fear the business could pose harm to marine animals in their natural habitat.Sixty per cent of the profits from the aquarium”s operation will go to the company and 40% to the government, the ZPO chief said.
