[The Hwankyung Ilbo] The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has launched the establishment of the first comprehensive plan for aquarium management (2020-2024) to create aquariums that are safe for both humans and animals and expand the functions of aquariums.

The comprehensive plan for aquarium management is set up every five years for proper management of aquariums in accordance with the Act on the Management of Zoos and Aquariums, which was revised last year (December 13, 2018).

Up until now, the aquarium could be operated if registered with certain requirements such as securing standard facilities and professional personnel.

However, lack of clear criteria for proper habitat of marine life such as food and disease management has caused may problems such as abnormal behavior of marine life trapped in confined spaces or poor supply of food.

In order to solve these problems and systematically develop aquariums, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to include in the first comprehensive plan measures to expand welfare of marine life in the aquarium and measures to secure public safety and health in the aquarium.

In addition, professional manpower training and support plan, system improvement plan for aquarium management and supervision, and plan for the marine biodiversity conservation, research, education, public relations project will be prepared.

“The first comprehensive plan for aquarium management is meaningful in that it is the first to establish a systematic management of aquariums and consistent policy implementation,” an official from the ministry said. “We will prepare a policy for aquarium management so that we can strengthen the welfare of marine life and the social role of aquariums, such as restoration research of marine ecosystems, and education and promotion.”

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