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Can't we work this out? In support of the Oceans Alaska Project
By Jennifer Castle

 

May 04, 2010
Tuesday AM


I am a Mother with a preschool age child, I cannot tell you how much my son and other families enjoy the small aquarium tank outside the office in the mall. Seeing local sea creatures up close, and being able to ask questions and see them feed is a rare treat for adults and children alike. To me, this seems like just the beginnings of a wonderful relationship between Oceans Alaska and the people of Ketchikan.

When I was growing up, I lived in a community with an aquarium. As a young child I had an opportunity to go to a summer camp program "behind the scenes" at the facility. Marine Biologists taught it and we learned how samples are collected from the seas all over the world, and the ecosystems they live in. This experience had a profound effect on me. It was my first experience really understanding how every living thing is a part of the other. Why wouldn't we want a place that can help engage our youth and broader community in the diverse life right outside our door?

When I think of the Oceans Alaska project, I think of the following:

  • Meaningful jobs for residents
  • Important Mari culture research done locally
  • Educational outreach to children of all ages
  • A platform to showcase sustainability to visitors
  • Community programs and events
  • Something to make Ketchikan a more exciting place to be in and visit

I realize that the combination of the downturn in the economy and the reduced numbers of guests on boats is daunting for all businesses and residents in Ketchikan. In order to combat this and encourage people to first of all come here, and then spend money here we need to make our community as attractive, exciting and with the broadest appeal to the most potential visitors-and current and potential residents.

Jennifer Castle
Ketchikan, AK

 

Received May 03, 2010 - Published May 04, 2010

 

Related Viewpoint:

letterLet's get behind the aquarium By Larry Jackson

letter Oceans Alaska Submitted By Kirk Thomas for Various Ketchikan Businesses

letter Is this fair? By Rob Holston

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