https://doi.org/10.1177/10925872231153164 Journal of Interpretation Research 1–26 © 2023 SAGE Publications Article reuse guidelines: sagepub.com/journals-permissions DOI: 10.1177/10925872231153164 journals.sagepub.com/home/jix Special Issue: The Role of Interpretation in the Sustainable Management of Tourism Sites Understanding and Influencing Perceptions about Marine Protected Areas Through an Aquarium Exhibit: A Multi-phase Case Study from South Africa Judy B. Mann-Lang 1,2 , Thashnee Naidoo 1 , Elizabeth Francolini 1 , Bruce Q Mann 1 , Kerry Sink 3 , and Colette Bodenstaff 1 Abstract Visitors to Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) provide income and can help MPAs achieve their objectives, thereby contributing to the maintenance and restoration of ocean health. However, MPAs are less well known than terrestrial protected areas. Based at the uShaka Sea World aquarium in South Africa, this multi-phase case study sought to describe visitors’ knowledge of MPAs; use the information to design a new temporary interpretive exhibit on MPAs and then use timing and tracking to assess visitors’ engagement with the exhibit and a free response postcard system to assess the influence of the exhibit on visitors’ perceptions of MPAs. Initial survey results showed that visitors had little knowledge of MPAs. Assessment after installation revealed some surprising levels of engagement and the free response postcards showed positive perceptions and a deeper understanding of MPAs. The results provide recommendations to enhance communication and engagement strategies both in aquariums and MPAs. Keywords Marine Protected Areas, interpretation, perceptions, knowledge, engagement 1 South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), Durban, South Africa 2 Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, Cape Town, South Africa 3 South African National Institute for Biodiversity (SANBI), Cape Town, South Africa Corresponding Author: Judy B. Mann-Lang, South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), P.O. Box 10712, Marine Parade, Durban 4056, South Africa. Email: judy@aquariumfoundation.org.za 1153164JIX XX X 10.1177/10925872231153164Journal of Interpretation ResearchMann-Lang et al. research-article 2023