Experiencing tentacle difficulties? SWOT it out! A SWOT Analysis on the Giant Pacific Octopus Marine Conservation Tourism Programs at the Seattle Aquarium

Abstract

Marine conservation tourism, or MCT, is a series of activities tourists participate in that involve the study, protection and restoration of marine wildlife and their ecosystem. While there are two distinct models of conservation tourism, a Hybrid Model, created by combining commercial and non-commercial model, may be much more effective and viable. Currently, the Seattle Aquarium has two programs that represent the two MCT models. These programs are dedicated to the conservation of the Giant Pacific Octopus (GPO): The Octopus Survey Week in October and Octopus Week in February. This thesis used mixed methods research to determine whether it is possible to combine the two programs into one, thus garnering more interest and participation in the GPO conservation programs. The key method was the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis, a business strategy tool. The results show that the while a merger is preferred, there are logistical and temporal challenges. It is recommended that the Seattle Aquarium first invest in promoting the two programs and connect them in a more proactive manner.