Fishkeepers and other people who spend time watching fish in aquaria could see improvements in their physical and mental wellbeing.
In the first study of its kind, experts from the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth University and the University of Exeter have found that viewing aquarium displays led to noticeable reductions in blood pressure and heart rate, and that higher numbers of fish helped to hold people’s attention for longer and improve their moods.
While spending time in 'natural' environments has been shown to provide calming effects on humans, there has been very little research into the role that underwater settings could have on health and wellbeing.
Deborah Cracknell, a PhD student at Plymouth University and Lead Researcher at the National Marine Aquarium, conducted the study and believes it provides an important first step in our understanding. She said: "Fish tanks and displays are often associated with attempts at calming patients in doctors’ surgeries and dental waiting rooms. This study has, for the first time, provided robust evidence that ‘doses’ of exposure to underwater settings could actually have a positive impact on people’s wellbeing."
The researchers benefited from a unique opportunity in order to conduct their study when the National Marine Aquarium refurbished one of its main exhibits, in a large 550,000 l tank, and began a phased introduction of different fish species.
They were able to assess the mood, heart rate and blood pressure of study participants in precisely the same setting, as fish numbers in the main exhibit gradually increased.
Dr Sabine Pahl, Associate Professor in Psychology at Plymouth University, said: "While large public aquariums typically focus on their educational mission, our study suggests they could offer a number of previously undiscovered benefits. In times of higher work stress and crowded urban living, perhaps aquariums can step in and provide an oasis of calm and relaxation."
The research is published in the journal Environment and Behaviour.
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