UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN ... - Bizjournals

Case 1:13-cv-03241-AT Document 1 Filed 09/30/13 Page 16 of 6435. Educational programming at Georgia Aquarium is based on theprofessional standards established by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums andthe Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the objectives of theState of Georgia Department of Education that are reflected in the GeorgiaPerformance Standards (“GPS”) for each grade level. Aquarium programs alsomeet the applicable national curriculum standards and feature an evaluationcomponent that meets the GPS.36. At the public hearing on Georgia Aquarium’s permit applicationconducted by NMFS on October 12, 2012, educators testified regarding theimportant role Georgia Aquarium and other zoological facilities play in educatingthe public. Dr. Brian Davis, Ph.D., of Georgia Aquarium, for example, quoted thebook Building a Future for Wildlife which states: “Zoos and aquariums enablepeople to develop appreciation, wonder, respect, understanding, care and concernabout nature .... Zoos and aquariums appeal to a very broad audience and havehuge visitor numbers throughout the world. They therefore have the potential to bea very important source of environmental awareness, training and action for asustainable future.” Dr. Davis then noted that “[a]t Georgia Aquarium we see thiseach day as our guests of all ages utilize our facility to learn, make connections,and take action. We are proud that Georgia Aquarium can serve as a mechanism16