Visitor behavior research has become an essential component to many museum programs. Since its opening to the public in 1965, Oregon State University's Mark O. Hatfield Marine Science Center Aquarium in Newport, it has been visited by millions of people. A clear understanding of who this audience was and what they actually did while viewing the exhibits in the aquarium had never been achieved. This descriptive study describes fall season visitors and their circulation patterns. The goal of the study was to understand the interrelationships between visitors, exhibits and the physical layout of the aquarium. One purpose of the study was to provide information that would aid staff members with long range planning decisions that include the design of new exhibits and the renovation of older displays. Besides identifying the aquarium's fall audience, demographic data on visitors was desired to gain a clearer understanding of populations that did not visit the museum. Two-hundred and forty participants responded to a survey questionnaire administered by HMSC volunteers and the author. Forty unobtrusive observations of visitors were collected by the author. Respondents included all age groups; however, the young adults (late teens, early twenties) were underrepresented. Over half of the respondents had visited HMSC before; 81% of repeat visitors were from Oregon. A positive correlation was shown to exist between group size and the length of visit. The larger the group the longer the group tended to visit in the aquarium. The average time spent in the aquarium was 30.6 minutes. Most (82.5%) respondents overestimated the length of their visit by an average of 22 minutes. Overall, visitors were found to spend over 77% of their time at HMSC viewing the exhibits. Only 7.3% of the visitors observed traveled through the aquarium the way it was designed. The average amount of time spent at exhibits ranged from 16.6 seconds to 212.5 seconds; however, standard deviation and range indicate a great deal of variability in visitor behavior. Visitor traffic patterns and competition between exhibits was shown to influence the visitor experience. Survey and observation results were consistent with examples at other museums, zoos and aquariums cited in the literature. / Graduation date: 1992

The purpose of the study is to explore the performance of Marine Education Curriculum in the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium. The study explores the differences between in-service training teachers¡¦ personal characters and the performance of marine education curriculum. The performance includes the 3-dimension framework (cognition, technique, and affection) and integral experiences. Through integrating marine educational related references, observation and questionnaire survey of the teachers who participated in the marine education curriculum in National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, the researcher analyzes the statistical dates, and the result of the study is as follows: ¢¹.The participative proportion of the teachers is higher under the following characteristics: female, single, teaching in elementary school, 20~25 years old, living in Kaoshiung ,university-educated and practice teacher¡CThe major participative motives of the teachers are broadening views and personal interest¡C ¢ºThe teachers enhance most cognition in the segment of designing conception in marine learning sheet. The teachers enhance more ecology cognition from the Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium in the segment of designing conception, fountainhead ecology, coral grown environment. The teachers enhance less ecology cognition in the segment of marine research apparatus and particular ecological condition. The teachers enhance most technique in the segment of performing commentary skill. The teachers enhance most affection in the segment of marine knowledge acceptability. The most participative handicap of the teachers is the long route to the Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium. The favorite curriculum of the teachers is to tour and visit the marine ecological displays in museum. The teachers most approve that to design marine learning sheet would enhance students¡¦ marine ecological studies. ¢»The marine educational cognition enhancements were influenced by the teachers¡¦ characteristics including sexes, teaching subjects and school regions. The teachers¡¦ participative motives influenced the technique, and affection enhancements. ¢¼The participative handicap of the long route to the Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium is influenced by the teachers¡¦ sexes and school regions. The teachers whose participative motive is tour and rest considered that absences and errands of school administration. The greater parts of the teachers liked to tour and visit the marine ecological displays in museum. The other marine educational favorite curriculums were influenced by the ages, service qualifications, teaching demands and personal activities. The integral agreements were influenced by ages and personal activities. The activity satisfactions were influenced by service qualifications, teaching grades, educational backgrounds and personal activities

Aquarium biofilters are designed to promote the growth and activity of nitrifying microorganisms, which are primarily responsible for the removal of toxic nitrogen-cycle intermediates. Ammonia is a natural waste product excreted by fish that is lethal to aquatic life at relatively low concentrations. Ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) outnumber ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in biofilters of mature freshwater aquaria with low-ammonia conditions. However, no study has investigated the early establishment of AOA and AOB within biofilter communities, especially when aquarium ammonia concentrations are elevated. My thesis research investigated the relative abundance of AOA and AOB in freshwater aquarium biofilters through early aquarium establishment. AOA and AOB genes were detected in DNA extracts from the biofilters of 14 start-up freshwater aquaria with increasing fish biomass loads (Experiment 1), as well as from 12 biofilters of start-up aquaria treated with AOA and AOB supplements (Experiment 2). In start-up aquaria, early ammonia concentrations increased with fish biomass, and AOB amoA genes were strongly detected over AOA marker genes in all filters without initial AOA inoculation. Inoculation of AOA-dominated supplements into newly established biofilters improved early ammonia oxidation rates in comparison to filters supplemented with AOB or those lacking supplements. Inoculated AOA thrived in filter biofilm during and beyond stabilization of low-ammonia conditions in aquaria. Microbial activity experiments demonstrated that AOA were present and active in the biofilters eight months after inoculation, when aquaria were fully established. In addition, AOB and AOA populations were monitored in new aquaria in three unregulated home environments. Thaumarchaeal 16S rRNA genes were detected in all aquarium filters within one month of aquarium development. In one filter, AOA were the only ammonia-oxidizers detected in the biofilm during aquarium development, suggesting that AOA were the sole contributors to nitrification in this aquarium. The results from these experiments suggest that AOA may be key players in early aquarium nitrification once introduced into the aquarium environment. Further, this research provides insight into the ecology of AOB and AOA in engineered freshwater environments

Final Project (M.A.)--John F. Kennedy University, 2007. / "June 15, 2007"--T.p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 69-74).

Tierärztliche Hochsch., Diss., 2005--Hannover.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo principal estudar a cadeia produtiva de peixes ornamentais de Ãguas continentais do nordeste brasileiro. O trabalho foi realizado nos estados do Cearà e Pernambuco, por serem reconhecidos produtores e exportadores desses organismos no paÃs. Os dados para o trabalho foram obtidos atravÃs da aplicaÃÃo de questionÃriosa representantes docomÃrcio varejista, piscicultores ornamentais e aquaristas. Os valores de produÃÃo do comÃrcio interno e de exportaÃÃo de peixes ornamentais foram obtidos em instituiÃÃes pÃblicas responsÃveis por estes dados. Um total de 18 pisciculturas de peixes ornamentais foram visitadas, sendo 10 no estado do Cearà e 8 em Pernambuco, variando desde piscicultores rudimentares que utilizavam reservatÃrios rÃsticos, atà aquiculturas especializadas compostas de tanques de alvenaria. As espÃcies de peixes mais vendidas pelos piscicultores foram: Carassius auratus, Pterophyllum scalare, Beta splendens, Poecilia latipina e Xiphophorus helleri. A produÃÃo foi destinada principalmente para o Rio de Janeiro e SÃo Paulo. O comÃrcio varejista de peixes ornamentais no nordeste à diversificado podendo encontrar a venda seus produtos em lojas generalistas conhecidas como petshops e em lojas especializadas. Um total de 13.846 exemplares peixes ornamentais de Ãguas continentais foram visualizados atravÃs do censo visual nas lojas dos estados do Cearà e Pernambuco. Desse total foram indentificadas 35 familias e 194 espÃcies de peixes, o maior nÃmero de indivÃduos foi da famÃlia Cyprinidae, seguidas da Characidae e Poeciliidae. As espÃcies mais representativas em nÃmero de indivÃduos disponÃveis para venda no comÃrcio varejista foram: Carassius auratus, Poecilia latipina, Paracheirodon axelrodi, Brachydanio rerio e Pterophyllum scalare. No comÃrcio interno, o estado do Cearà comercializou no biÃnio 2006/2007, um total de 373.085 exemplares de peixes ornamentais, correspondendo a um valor total de R$ 250.565,03, enquanto que Pernambuco comercializou em 2010, um total de 916.240 indivÃduos, correspondendo a um valor total de R$ 1.198.094,67. A produÃÃo total exportada de peixes ornamentais pelos estados de Cearà e Pernambuco no perÃodo de 2006 a 2008 foi de R$ 377.584,91, com maior volume referente à Pernambuco correspondendo a R$ 211.175,27. Os principais destinos de exportaÃÃes foram: JapÃo, Alemanha, Reino Unido, Hong Kong e Holanda. Um total de 102 espÃcies foi exportada, sendo que as mais representativas em nÃmero de indivÃduos foram: Paracheirodon axelrodi, Parotocinclus maculicauda, Baryancistrus sp. e Ancistrus spp. O nordeste brasileiro possui um grande potencial para a atividade de peixes ornamentais de Ãguas continentais, sendo uma fonte geradora de mÃo de obra e renda para as populaÃÃes do meio rural e urbano. PorÃm alguns pontos necessitam ser corrigidos para que esta atividade seja sustentÃvel e traga uma maior rentabilidade para as pessoas envolvidas no setor. / This study aimed at evaluating the productive chain of freshwater ornamental fish of northeastern Brazil. The study was conducted in the states of Ceara and Pernambuco, to be recognized exporters of these bodies in the country.Data for the study were obtained through questionnaires representatives in retail, ornamental fish-farming and hobbysts. Production data on domestic trade and export of ornamental fish were obtained in public institutions. A total of 18 ornamental fish hatcheries were visited, 10 in Cearà and 8 in Pernambuco, ranging from small to large fish-farming.The species of fish sold by the fish farmers were Carassius auratus, Pterophyllum scalare, Betta splendens, Poecilia latipina and Xiphophorus helleri. The production was designed primarily for state of Rio de Janeiro and SÃo Paulo. Retail trade of ornamental fish in the northeast is diverse and can find their products for sale in petshops and specialty stores. A total of 13,846 specimens of freshwater ornamental fish were visualized by visual census in the shops of Ceara and Pernambuco. A total of 35 families and 194 species of fish have been identified, greater participation in number of individuals were from families Cyprinidae, Characidae and Poeciliidae. The most representative species in number of individuals available for sale in retail trade were: Carassius auratus, Poecilia latipina, Paracheirodon axelrodi, Brachydanio rerio e Pterophyllum scalare. In domestic trade, the state of Ceara sold in the biennium 2006/2007, a total of 373,085 specimens of ornamental fish, corresponding a total value R$ 250,565.03, while Pernambuco sold in 2010, a total of 916,240 individuals, corresponding R$ 1,198,094.67.The total production of ornamental fish exported by the states of Ceara and Pernambuco in the period 2006 to 2008 was R$ 377,584.91, with higher volume related to Pernambuco corresponding R$ 211,175.27. The main export destinations were Japan, Germany, UK, Hong Kong and Netherlands. A total of 102 species was exported, the most representative in number of individuals were Paracheirodon axelrodi, Parotocinclus maculicauda, Baryancistrus sp. e Ancistrus spp. The Brazilian Northeast has a great potential for the activity of freshwater ornamental fish, being a source of labor and income for the populations of rural and urban areas. But several points need to be corrected so that this activity is sustainable and that those involved can enjoy for a long time their products.

El Acuario y Centro de Investigación Marina es un proyecto innovador cuyo propósito es mostrar y enseñar sobre la vida marina peruana e internacional. Una intervención como esta es única y culturalmente necesaria ya que nuestro país no cuenta con la infraestructura adecuada para exhibir nuestra fauna marina. Además, educa y promueve la idea del cuidado de nuestros mares. Por este motivo cuenta con varios espacios educativos e interactivos para toda edad. Este proyecto interviene en la Costa Verde, en un terreno desolado con mucha promesa ya que situado aquí seria el catalizador de proyectos urbanos públicos. El diseño del acuario no toma jerarquía sobre el terreno o su contexto, más bien aporta espacios públicos para todo usuario. El acuario está diseñado para ser visiblemente impactante y didáctico para el visitante, rodeándote de las especies marinas en el túnel transparente o visitado las piscinas de agua salada que viene directamente del mar. En conclusión, este proyecto tiene la función de enriquecer culturalmente a todos aquellos que lo visiten, mientras trata de revivir y equipar un espacio olvidado de las playas de la Costa Verde. / The Aquarium and Marine Research Center is an innovative project whose purpose is to show and teach about Peruvian and international marine life. An architectural intervention like this is unique and culturally necessary because our country doesn’t count with an adequate infrastructure to exhibit our marine life. Also, it teaches and promotes the idea of taking care our oceans, rivers, etc. Because of this the aquarium has lots of educational and interactive areas for all ages. This project is located at Costa Verde, in an abandoned terrain with a lot of promise because it could be the catalyst of a public urban project. The aquarium design doesn’t take hierarchy over the terrain or its context, it provides public spaces for all users. Its designed to be visually impactful and didactic for the visitor, surrounding you in marine species in the transparent tunnel or by visiting the sea water pools that uses ocean water coming directly from the ocean. In conclusion, the project has the roll of culturally enriching everyone that visits it, while it tries to revive and equip a forgotten space in the Costa Verde’s beaches. / Tesis

Thesis (M.S.)--Oregon State University, 2009. / Printout. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 190-195). Also available on the World Wide Web.

Invasive species, a top threat affecting global biodiversity, become invasive through a process including four stages: transport, establishment, spread, impact and integration. Species currently in this process provide opportunities to empirically derive the mechanisms driving each of these stages, make predictions based on these mechanisms and then to test these predictions. This research examines the current invaded distribution, potential invasion and community-level impacts of a popular aquarium trade fish (Hemichromis guttatus Günther, 1862) in an endemic hotspot, Cuatro Ciénegas, in Coahuila, México and discusses the policy and conservation management implications of these findings. In Chapter 1, the problem of invasive species, the study site and the focal species of this work are introduced. In Chapter 2, the critical thermal minimum and maximum temperature limits and temperature preference of H. guttatus are identified because temperature is hypothesized to be an important factor controlling this fish’s distribution. The results indicate that H. guttatus has a wide temperature tolerance range (a characteristic of a ‘good’ invader), that preference is a more informative metric for predicting invasion than absolute tolerances, and that resource-poor environments may promote searching behaviors that cause an invasive fish to increase its range. In Chapter 3, the results of a field survey are analyzed and temperature, pH, depth and the presence of vegetation are all found to be related to H. guttatus presence. Invasion risk of several as-of-yet uninvaded sites in Cuatro Ciénegas is assessed. In Chapter 4, competitive and predatory interactions of H. guttatus on an endemic, threatened cichlid (Herichthys minckleyi) and a macroinvertebrate community respectively are investigated. The results suggest that while H. guttatus does not directly impact H. minckleyi through competition in these conditions, it may inhibit reproduction and alter H. minckleyi’s behavior through aggressive interactions. In Chapter 5, all results are synthesized and a determination of the invasive status of H. guttatus in Cuatro Ciénegas is made. The results presented here will be useful in identifying areas with a high risk of invasion by this popular ornamental fish, thus allowing the implementation of policy and management actions to prevent or at least ameliorate the impacts of an invasion and will add to the growing knowledge of how invasive species affect native systems. / text

Thesis (M. A. (Aquaculture )) -- University of Limpopo, 2006 / Refer to document / NRF (National Research Foundation) and Canon Collins Educational Trust for Southern Africa (CCETSA)