Related Experiment Videos
Data use and information creation: challenges for marine scientists and for managers.
Keith Hiscock1, Michael Elliott, Dan Laffoley
1Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, Citadel Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PB, UK.
Marine Pollution Bulletin
|May 9, 2003
Summary
Scientists are developing new methods to assess marine environmental quality using indicators for European waters. The goal is to make complex scientific data understandable for effective marine ecosystem management and sustainability.
Area of Science:
- Marine Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- Increasing need for quality measures and indicators in European coastal and North-East Atlantic waters.
- Indicators can relate to species, habitats, physicochemical changes, and human use of marine systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify meaningful measures of marine 'quality'.
- To recommend 'indicators' for implementing environmental directives and initiatives.
- To make scientific findings relevant and understandable to diverse stakeholders for marine protection.
Main Methods:
- Developing criteria for 'sensitivity' and 'importance'.
- Establishing information organization structures.
- Utilizing electronic information resources for data access.
Main Results:
- New approaches are emerging to address challenges in marine quality assessment.
- Improved methods for organizing and accessing marine data are being developed.
Conclusions:
- Effective communication of scientific results is crucial for marine environmental protection.
- Scientists must drive the agenda for ecosystem-based management and marine sustainability.