Today, one of them said something like, "I want you to keep stocking the tank, putting more and more fish in until they are knocking on the window saying 'I need more oxygen!'" Wow. Just wow. They don't know the millions of little factors that go into having an increased number of fish: water quality, livable habitat and hiding spots, spread of disease, etc.. let alone it's just inhumane for the poor fish. But they just want it to look pretty.
Interesting though, that to others, the aquarium is only more beautiful if there is a ton of fish in it. It's as if that's how they really think the ocean is in nature: that every inch is packed with fish. Not only is that just not true in the natural sense but also reflects the fact that people think the ocean has an endless supply of fish... which we know is definitely not true considering we fish species after species to near-extinction.
I'm in this field first and foremost for the well-being of the animals. I'm not the biggest supporter of capturing these tropical fish and keeping them in captivity, but I know the field is not going anywhere and I'm happy to be here to try and give them the best life possible. So at least I can take solace in that fact.
I really do enjoy my job and I'm glad I'm at the place I'm at... but sometimes it's just hard to remember we're dealing with a company whose major goal is profit... while we're sitting in our office just wanting to educate the public about the ocean and keep our fish happy.
/soap box
