The long dark lines that go the length of the pool are the walls of the tunnels. Maybe top viewing would have worked for the seals, but there's not much to see topside with dugongs in the pool. The tunnels are much better vantage points.
But it's really a pretty awful exhibit space--all those straight lines and "functional" nautical architecture--dugongs underwater at least not seen in context of all the canvas and metal.
I don't know about it being 'awful' - it didn't strike me as being that way. But then I don't visit aquariums much, and I know nothing about the architecture of underwater enclosures.
Do they miss the tidal enrichment of the sea, is there vegetation in the exhibit, It appears not. I wonder how far they travel in a day in the wild? This exhibit looks small. The noise from the public must be horendous.
It would appear to be awfull exhibit. Does anyone have an idea how the Dugongs might feel?
One weird thing about the pool is that it is almost a perfect rectangle, which is unusual for most marine mammal setups. I expect visitors to dive in and start swimming laps! I've visited the aquarium before and I think that for a couple of dugongs the pool is of an adequate size.
Not being a tidal species, I don't think tidal variation would be imprtant to dugongs. As for food, nothing grows in the enclosure because it would be eaten pretty quick. Lettuce heads are put into trays and lowered in, both dugongs and the fish feasted on that. As for noise, I know that the loud noises made by the public would be muffled somewhat - maybe considerably - by the perspex and water. However, I'm sure someone who works at an aquarium can give us a definitive answer on that.
it also doesnt have a roof and when i visited it was raining so the rain was falling into the pool, i imaigine having a open roof to let in rain, sun ect would help make it more natural and enriching. the open roof also helps with lowering sound levels in the top section
