Touch pool

A touch pool at the S.E.A. Aquarium [] in Singapore.Visitors are allowed to touch a limited amount of the fish in the tank.

A touch pool or touch tank is a type of aquarium attraction in public aquariums where members of the public, especially young people, are allowed to touch the wildlife within the tanks. Tanks will be stocked with species which are not dangerous to touch to provide an opportunity for individuals to learn more about those species.[citation needed] Tanks are good for discussion and learning opportunities for children and family, helping with ecological education and understanding of ecosystems.[1]

Typical species in installations include Ray (fish), catsharks, flatfish, starfish, sea urchins, crabs, mollusks and other shellfish.[2]

Touch pools have been critiqued for how sanitary they are: humans are often touching the protective mucus of the fish and other wildlife in the tank, leading to potential health complications. Other critiques include the quality of life for the organisms in the tank, and the lack of mimicry of real aquatic environments.[2][3] Other researchers have evaluated the elevated risk of health impacts for humans who interact with the animals, through potential health concerns.[4]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Touch pools.

References

  1. ^ Kopczak, Charles; Kisiel, James F.; Rowe, Shawn (2015-01-02). "Families talking about ecology at touch tanks". Environmental Education Research. 21 (1): 129–144. doi:10.1080/13504622.2013.860429. ISSN 1350-4622.
  2. ^ a b Pierfrancesco Biasetti; Daniela Florio; Claudia Gili; Barbara de Mori (2020). "The Ethical Assessment of Touch Pools in Aquariums by Means of the Ethical Matrix" (pdf). Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics. 33 (2). Berlin: Springer: 337–353. Bibcode:2020JAEE...33..337B. doi:10.1007/s10806-020-09823-2. Retrieved 9 October 2022..
  3. ^ Jade Boches (16 August 2021). "Aquarium : les bassins tactiles, un atelier d'un autre temps ?". Peuple-Animal (in French). Retrieved 9 October 2022..
  4. ^ Sahrmann, John M.; Niedbalski, Amy; Bradshaw, Louise; Johnson, Rebecca; Deem, Sharon L. (January 2016). "Changes in human health parameters associated with a touch tank experience at a zoological institution: Human Health Benefits". Zoo Biology. 35 (1): 4–13. doi:10.1002/zoo.21257. PMID 26662049.