AQUAVILLE

Aquatic ecosystems are challenging for humans to explore. Most of our observations of aquatic life are superficial, being made from the water's edge or surface. Aquariums reveal the underwater world, a world that covers 80 percent of the Earth's surface and is usually hidden from our view. By discovering and understanding something about aquatic life, aquarium visitors become aware of the value of aquatic life and the need to protect and preserve it. Aquariums perform a vital role educating people about aquatic conservation.

Water, a haven for life

Without water, there would be no life on our planet. Excessively pure water, bowever, does not enhance the development of living organism, as it is the elements contained within water that make this possible. Getting fiss and plants to live and reproduce in an aquarium therefore requires some basic knowledge of the characteristics of water, which, although a constant presence in our daily existence, is often little understood as an environment that supports living organisms.

A closed system like this lends itself particularly to the understanding of ecology, Providing an excellent introduction to a branch of science which emerged in the 19th century but has acquired a high profile only in the last twenty or so years. It is not concerned simply with Man and his world, as many believe, but covers all the Mechanisms regulating relationships between living creatures and their environments, so that all can live in harmony.