1
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Kadykalo AN, Findlay CS, Spencer M, Callaghan CL, Cooke SJ, Young N. Collaboration and engagement with decision-makers are needed to reduce evidence complacency in wildlife management. AMBIO 2024; 53:730-745. [PMID: 38360970 PMCID: PMC10991221 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-024-01979-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
There exists an extensive, diverse, and robust evidence base to support complex decisions that address the planetary biodiversity crisis. However, it is generally not sought or used by environmental decision-makers, who instead draw on intuition, experience, or opinion to inform important decisions. Thus, there is a need to examine evidence exchange processes in wildlife management to understand the multiple inputs to decisions. Here, we adopt a novel approach, fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM), to examine perceptions of individuals from Indigenous and Western governments on the reliability of evidence which may influence freshwater fisheries management decisions in British Columbia, Canada. We facilitated four FCM workshops participants representing Indigenous or Western regulatory/governance groups of fisheries managers. Our results show that flows of evidence to decision-makers occur within a relatively closed governance network, constrained to the few well-connected decision-making organizations (i.e., wildlife management agencies) and their close partners. This implies that increased collaboration (i.e., knowledge co-production) and engagement (i.e., knowledge brokerage) with wildlife managers and decision-makers are needed to produce actionable evidence and increase evidence exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew N Kadykalo
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada.
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - C Scott Findlay
- Department of Biology and Institute of the Environment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Steven J Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Nathan Young
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, School of Sociological and Anthropological Studies, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
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2
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Crawford RD, O'Keefe JM. Improving the science and practice of using artificial roosts for bats. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024; 38:e14170. [PMID: 37650433 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, artificial bat roosts (e.g., bat boxes, bark mimics, bat condos) are routinely deployed for conservation, mitigation, and community engagement. However, scant attention has been paid to developing best practices for the use of artificial roosts as conservation tools. Although bats readily occupy artificial roosts, occupancy and abundance data are misleading indicators of habitat quality. Lacking information on bat behavior, health, and fitness in artificial roosts, their conservation efficacy cannot be adequately validated. We considered the proximal and ultimate factors, such as evolutionarily reliable cues, that may prompt bats to preferentially use and show fidelity to suboptimal artificial roosts even when high-quality alternatives are available. Possible negative health and fitness consequences for artificial roost inhabitants include exposure to unstable and extreme microclimates in poorly designed roosts, and vulnerability to larger numbers of ectoparasites in longer lasting artificial roosts that house larger bat colonies than in natural roosts. Bats using artificial roosts may have lower survival rates if predators have easy access to roosts placed in conspicuous locations. Bats may be lured into occupying low-quality habitats if attractive artificial roosts are deployed on polluted urban and agricultural landscapes. To advance the science behind artificial bat roosts, we present testable research hypotheses and suggestions to improve the quality of artificial roosts for bats and decrease risks to occupants. Because continued loss of natural roosts may increase reliance on alternatives, such as artificial roosts, it is imperative that this conservation practice be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reed D Crawford
- Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Joy M O'Keefe
- Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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3
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Rechciński M, Tusznio J, Akhshik A, Grodzińska-Jurczak M. A critical assessment of a protected area conflict analysis based on secondary data in the age of datafication. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8028. [PMID: 37198389 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35067-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, a global trend towards a broader use of secondary data in social sciences has been reinforced by the COVID-19 pandemic. This evoked doubts about the validity of the results unless restrictive assessment procedures are implemented. To address this need in the field of protected area (PA) conflict analysis, we propose a three-fold approach (theory-, method-, and cross-scale simulation-driven) to assess the usefulness of the utilized state register dataset and the indicator analysis methodology for the multi-level recognition of PA conflict determinants. With the ultimate aim to inform case study selection, we processed 187 relevant indicators from the official Statistics Poland register for a Lesser Poland region. We distinguished five types of PA conflict determinants in Lesser Poland ('urbanity', 'agriculture', 'tourism', 'small-scale entrepreneurship', and 'sprawl') and respective groups of 15 clusters comprising local-level units. For one cluster, we juxtaposed the obtained results with secondary data from another source (Internet content) and for a specific PA (Tatra National Park). Although the reported conflict issues corresponded to the indicator-derived descriptors of the cluster, in the theory-driven phase of the assessment, the state register failed to address the key prerequisites of PA conflicts. We have demonstrated that, in crisis conditions such as COVID-19, the proposed method can serve as a proxy for a multi-level recognition of PA conflict potentials, provided that it synthesises the results of different methodological approaches, followed by in-person interviews in the selected case studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Rechciński
- Faculty of Geography and Geology, Institute of Geography and Spatial Management, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Krakow, Poland.
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Joanna Tusznio
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Arash Akhshik
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
- School of Business and Economics, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Małgorzata Grodzińska-Jurczak
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
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4
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Dickie M, Ford AT, Steenweg R, Serrouya R. Intervention-forward adaptive management in the face of extinction. Trends Ecol Evol 2023; 38:505-506. [PMID: 36806454 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Dickie
- Biodiversity Pathways, Wildlife Science Centre, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada; University of British Columbia, Department of Biology, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada.
| | - Adam T Ford
- Biodiversity Pathways, Wildlife Science Centre, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada; University of British Columbia, Department of Biology, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Robin Steenweg
- University of British Columbia, Department of Biology, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada; Canadian Wildlife Service - Pacific Region, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V9, Canada
| | - Robert Serrouya
- Biodiversity Pathways, Wildlife Science Centre, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada
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5
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Cruz SM, Grozinger CM. Mapping student understanding of bees: Implications for pollinator conservation. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M. Cruz
- Department of Communication Arts & Sciences Pennsylvania State University University Park Pennsylvania USA
| | - Christina M. Grozinger
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences Pennsylvania State University University Park Pennsylvania USA
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6
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Koontz TM. Incorporating Evidence into Collaborative Ecosystem Restoration: A Content Analysis of Bibliographic References and their Use in Salmon Recovery Plans. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 71:350-364. [PMID: 36520203 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-022-01766-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Collaborative environmental management draws on a wide range of information, from a variety of stakeholders, to inform policy. Scientific information is particularly relevant for ecosystem restoration plans, such as those created for recovering species on the brink of extinction. This study examines use of evidence in salmon recovery plans in Puget Sound, USA. Across 12 plans, coders characterized 1104 references to identify their source, recency, domain, and context. Subsequently, 11 plans were analyzed in-depth to identify how each reference was used to support particular kinds of claims. Results indicate the most frequent source of information cited in salmon recovery plans is government agencies, especially from national and state governments, followed by peer reviewed journal articles and scientific books. Journal articles come predominantly from high impact (top quartile) journals, although these articles are on average 15 years old. Sources are almost exclusively from the domain of natural sciences (97%), with just 1% social sciences and 2% non-scientific. More references come from beyond than within the local watershed. Different reference sources are used to support different kinds of claims, with government agency sources positively associated with claims about species status/trends, and peer reviewed journal articles positively associated with claims about causes of species decline. Overall, the lack of social science references, and lack of references to support claims about levels of community support, reduce managers' abilities to incorporate features of social systems into species recovery planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas M Koontz
- University of Washington Tacoma, 1900 Commerce St, Box 358436, Tacoma, WA, 98403, USA.
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7
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Whitenack LB, Mickley BL, Saltzman J, Kajiura SM, Macdonald CC, Shiffman DS. A content analysis of 32 years of Shark Week documentaries. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0256842. [PMID: 36327262 PMCID: PMC9632781 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite evidence of their importance to marine ecosystems, at least 32% of all chondrichthyan species are estimated or assessed as threatened with extinction. In addition to the logistical difficulties of effectively conserving wide-ranging marine species, shark conservation is believed to have been hindered in the past by public perceptions of sharks as dangerous to humans. Shark Week is a high-profile, international programming event that has potentially enormous influence on public perceptions of sharks, shark research, shark researchers, and shark conservation. However, Shark Week has received regular criticism for poor factual accuracy, fearmongering, bias, and inaccurate representations of science and scientists. This research analyzes the content and titles of Shark Week episodes across its entire 32 years of programming to determine if there are trends in species covered, research techniques featured, expert identity, conservation messaging, type of programming, and portrayal of sharks. We analyzed titles from 272 episodes (100%) of Shark Week programming and the content of all available (201; 73.9%) episodes. Our data demonstrate that the majority of episodes are not focused on shark bites, although such shows are common and many Shark Week programs frame sharks around fear, risk, and adrenaline. While criticisms of disproportionate attention to particular charismatic species (e.g. great whites, bull sharks, and tiger sharks) are accurate and supported by data, 79 shark species have been featured briefly at least once. Shark Week's depictions of research and of experts are biased towards a small set of (typically visual and expensive) research methodologies and (mostly white, mostly male) experts, including presentation of many white male non-scientists as scientific experts. While sharks are more often portrayed negatively than positively, limited conservation messaging does appear in 53% of episodes analyzed. Results suggest that as a whole, while Shark Week is likely contributing to the collective public perception of sharks as bad, even relatively small alterations to programming decisions could substantially improve the presentation of sharks and shark science and conservation issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa B. Whitenack
- Departments of Biology & Geology, Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania, United States of America,* E-mail:
| | - Brady L. Mickley
- Department of Environmental Science, Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Julia Saltzman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, United States of America,Field School, Coconut Grove, Florida, United States of America,University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Stephen M. Kajiura
- Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
| | - Catherine C. Macdonald
- Field School, Coconut Grove, Florida, United States of America,University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - David S. Shiffman
- Arizona State University New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Science, Glendale, Arizona, United States of America
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8
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Hammond NL, Dickman A, Biggs D. Examining attention given to threats to elephant conservation on social media. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Niall L. Hammond
- Resilient Conservation, Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security Griffith University Nathan Australia
| | - Amy Dickman
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) University of Oxford Tubney UK
| | - Duan Biggs
- Resilient Conservation, Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security Griffith University Nathan Australia
- School of Earth and Sustainability Northern Arizona University Flagstaff Arizona USA
- Centre for Complex Systems in Transition, School of Public Leadership Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch South Africa
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9
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The potential consequences of 'bee washing' on wild bee health and conservation. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 18:30-32. [PMID: 35399591 PMCID: PMC8989764 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Concern around declining bee populations globally has become an environmental issue of mainstream importance. Policymakers, scientists, environmental non-government organizations, media outlets and the public have displayed great interest in conservation actions to support pollinators. As with many environmental causes, green washing, or in this case ‘bee washing’, has become rampant. Bee washing can lead to multiple negative consequences, including misinformation, misallocation of resources, increasing threats and steering public understanding and environmental policy away from evidence-based decision-making. Here I will discuss the multiple potential consequences of bee washing on efforts to conserve declining wild bees and promote wild bee health. Concern around declining bee populations globally has become an environmental issue of mainstream importance. Policymakers, scientists, environmental non-government organizations, media outlets and the public have displayed interest in conservation action to support pollinators. ‘Bee washing’, has become rampant. Narratives and actions tend to focus on low-hanging fruit, actions which are easy to address and/or the selling of commercial items where industry benefits but the species of concern do not. Negative consequences include misinformation, misallocation of resources, increasing threats and steering environmental policy away from evidence-based decision-making.
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10
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Ali-Shtayeh MS, Jamous RM, Abuzaitoun SY. Analysis of floristic composition and species diversity of vascular plants native to the State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza Strip). Biodivers Data J 2022; 10:e80427. [PMID: 36761642 PMCID: PMC9848539 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.10.e80427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims at providing an updated checklist of the native vascular flora of the Palestinian West Bank and Gaza Strip (State of Palestine, SP), serving as a taxonomic and nomenclatural basis for botanical research and encouraging new floristic surveys and biosystematic studies. The study provides an up-to-date checklist of native vascular taxa of the SP and their distribution within the plant districts in the country. This is the very first annotated checklist for the native vascular plants of the SP which incorporates recent name changes, new distribution records, habitat, herbarium specimens catalouge, Red List criteria, wild edible plants, endemism and use in Traditional Palestinian Herbal Medicine. The quantitative analysis of the flora has shown that the SP hosts 1826 taxa, distributed in 686 genera and 108 families; five taxa are gymnosperms, nine taxa are Pteridophytes and 1812 taxa are angiosperms. The most represented families are Leguminosae (222 taxa, 12.2%), Asteraceae (197, 10.2%) and Poaceae (196, 10.7%), while the most represented genera are Trifolium (38, Leguminosae), Silene (32, Caryophyllaceae), Astragalus (27, Leguminosae), Medicago (26, Leguminosae), Allium (25, Amaryllidaceae) and Euphorbia (25, Euphorbiaceae). Annuals (52.4%), Hemicryptophytes (20.2%) and Chamaephytes (12.2%) are the most represented life-forms amongst the SP flora. The richest plant districts in the SP vascular plant taxa are Gaza Strip (GS) (1216 taxa), Jerusalem and Hebron Mountains (JHM) (1235) and Nablus Mountains (NM) (1126). Agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) permitted the division of SP into two main regions, based on the existence of vascular plant taxa: Region 1 (western plant districts with 1128-1237 taxa) with higher water availability and temperate Mediterranean climate which permit the establishment of more than 65% of the total SP flora in these districts and Region 2 (eastern plant districts with 571-698 taxa), characterised by desert and semi-desert conditions, as well as the presence of alluvial and co-alluvial soils, which allow the survival of lower numbers of plant taxa. One hundred and sixty-five taxa of the SP flora are endemic and near-endemic. However, in comparison with some countries of the Mediterranean Basin, this number is below the average endemism concentration, along with other southern arid countries, such as Tunisia and Egypt. In total, there are 102 threatened plant taxa, belonging to 39 families and 83 genera representing 5.6% of the total plants in the SP. IUCN and the Conservation Measures Partnership (CMP) unified classification of direct threats for SP Red-Listed plants has shown a high extinction risk to the Palestinian threatened wild flora, with 76.5% of the threatened species being either critically endangered (CR) or endangered (EN); only 23.5% were vulnerable (VU). However, several taxa are threatened by numerous factors including small population size, human activities, for example, conversion of traditional to intensive agriculture accompanied by deep ploughing and the application of pesticides, urban development and construction, global climatic change, drying of marshes and wetlands, quarrying, fires and pollution. This checklist can help focus conservation efforts and provide a framework for research, protection and policy applications for the SP flora, especially for the endemic and threatened plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Saleem Ali-Shtayeh
- Biodiversity and Environmental Research Center, Nablus, PalestineBiodiversity and Environmental Research CenterNablusPalestine
| | - Rana Majed Jamous
- Biodiversity and Environmental Research Center, Nablus, PalestineBiodiversity and Environmental Research CenterNablusPalestine
| | - Salam Yousef Abuzaitoun
- Biodiversity and Environmental Research Center, Nablus, PalestineBiodiversity and Environmental Research CenterNablusPalestine
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11
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Piczak ML, Kadykalo AN, Cooke SJ, Young N. Natural Resource Managers Use and Value Western-Based Science, but Barriers to Access Persist. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 69:17-30. [PMID: 34800133 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-021-01558-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Natural resources management (NRM) is complex and relies on decisions supported by evidence, including Western-based science (WBS) and Indigenous and local knowledge. However, it has been shown that there is a disconnect between WBS and its application, whereby managers often draw on non-empirical sources of information (i.e., intuition or advice from colleagues). This article focuses on the role of WBS in decisions made in management of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in the province of British Columbia, Canada. We conducted open-ended interviews with NRM branches of Indigenous and parliamentary governments, as well as with nongovernmental stakeholder groups, to examine (a) sources of WBS consulted in decision-making and (b) barriers to accessing WBS by managers. We found that respondents involved with NRM relied on a diverse set of sources for WBS, seldom relying exclusively on one source. However, respondents relied more on internal sources (government databases) compared to external ones (peer-reviewed journal articles). We also found that respondents described WBS as valuable and generally accessible, yet barriers were identified with respect to the interface and organization of government grey data and literature, paywalls associated with peer-reviewed journals and articles, and institutional capacity, time, and support. We recommend strategies and tools to facilitate accessibility of WBS in support of bridging the knowledge-action divide, including increased publishing of open access data/articles, systematic reviews, use of knowledge brokers, specialized WBS training, and knowledge co-production. It is our hope that identification of barriers and the implementation of improved access to WBS will result in more effective NRM by giving managers access to the tools and knowledge they need for evidence-based decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan L Piczak
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Andrew N Kadykalo
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Steven J Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Nathan Young
- School of Sociological and Anthropological Studies, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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12
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Crawford RD, O'Keefe JM. Response to Brack and Sparks. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Reed D. Crawford
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign Urbana Illinois USA
- Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign Urbana Illinois USA
| | - Joy M. O'Keefe
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign Urbana Illinois USA
- Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign Urbana Illinois USA
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13
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam T. Ford
- Department of Biology The University of British Columbia 1177 Research Road Kelowna British Columbia Canada
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14
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Shiffman DS, Macdonald CC, Wallace SS, Dulvy NK. The role and value of science in shark conservation advocacy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16626. [PMID: 34404844 PMCID: PMC8370980 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96020-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Many species of sharks are threatened with extinction, and there has been a longstanding debate in scientific and environmental circles over the most effective and appropriate strategy to conserve and protect them. Should we allow for sustainable fisheries exploitation of species which can withstand fishing pressure, or ban all fisheries for sharks and trade in shark products? In the developing world, exploitation of fisheries resources can be essential to food security and poverty alleviation, and global management efforts are typically focused on sustainably maximizing economic benefits. This approach aligns with traditional fisheries management and the perspectives of most surveyed scientific researchers who study sharks. However, in Europe and North America, sharks are increasingly venerated as wildlife to be preserved irrespective of conservation status, resulting in growing pressure to prohibit exploitation of sharks and trade in shark products. To understand the causes and significance of this divergence in goals, we surveyed 155 shark conservation focused environmental advocates from 78 environmental non-profits, and asked three key questions: (1) where do advocates get scientific information? (2) Does all policy-relevant scientific information reach advocates? and (3) Do advocates work towards the same policy goals identified by scientific researchers? Findings suggest many environmental advocates are aware of key scientific results and use science-based arguments in their advocacy, but a small but vocal subset of advocates report that they never read the scientific literature or speak to scientists. Engagement with science appears to be a key predictor of whether advocates support sustainable management of shark fisheries or bans on shark fishing and trade in shark products. Conservation is a normative discipline, and this analysis more clearly articulates two distinct perspectives in shark conservation. Most advocates support the same evidence-based policies as academic and government scientists, while a smaller percentage are driven more by moral and ethical beliefs and may not find scientific research relevant or persuasive. We also find possible evidence that a small group of non-profits may be misrepresenting the state of the science while claiming to use science-based arguments, a concern that has been raised by surveyed scientists about the environmental community. This analysis suggests possible alternative avenues for engaging diverse stakeholders in productive discussions about shark conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Shiffman
- Earth to Oceans Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada. .,New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, Arizona State University, 4701 W Thunderbird Road, Glendale, AZ, 85306, USA.
| | - Catherine C Macdonald
- Field School Scientific Consulting, Miami, FL, USA.,Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| | - S Scott Wallace
- David Suzuki Foundation, 2211 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6K 4S2, Canada
| | - Nicholas K Dulvy
- Earth to Oceans Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada.
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15
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Moreland HR, De Santo EM, MacDonald BH. Understanding the role of information in marine policy development: establishing a coastal marine protected area in Nova Scotia, Canada. Facets (Ott) 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2020-0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Canada has expanded its marine protected area (MPA) coverage in line with the Aichi Biodiversity Target of protecting 10% of its marine territory by 2020. In 2018, a consultation process was launched to designate an Area of Interest surrounding the Eastern Shore Islands area off the coast of Nova Scotia, as the potential 15th Oceans Act MPA in Canada ( DFO 2021a ). This region has a fraught history with external conservation interventions and, consequently, there was a significant level of local mistrust in the process. This study explored the role of information in the consultation process and how it interplayed with the historical context, political pressures, trust, and mistrust among stakeholders and rightsholders. Drawing on interviews, a detailed desktop analysis, and participant observation at consultation meetings, this paper describes what worked well and what could be improved with respect to the sources of information used and the channels through which stakeholders and rightsholders accessed it. This case study demonstrates that while preferences for information sources and channels are context specific and varied, they are inherently personal and influenced by shared histories, trust, and individual beliefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hali R. Moreland
- Marine Affairs Program, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS. B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Elizabeth M. De Santo
- Department of Earth and Environment, Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, PA. 17604, USA
| | - Bertrum H. MacDonald
- School of Information Management, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS. B3H 4R2, Canada
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Beazley KF, Olive A. Transforming conservation in Canada: shifting policies and paradigms. Facets (Ott) 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2021-0144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Karen F. Beazley
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Andrea Olive
- Departments of Political Science and Geography, Geomatics and Environment, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Maanjiwe nendamowinan, 5th floor, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
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Hessami MA, Bowles E, Popp JN, Ford AT. Indigenizing the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. Facets (Ott) 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2020-0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although a diversity of approaches to wildlife management persists in Canada and the United States of America, the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation (NAM) is a prevailing model for state, provincial, and federal agencies. The success of the NAM is both celebrated and refuted amongst scholars, with most arguing that a more holistic approach is needed. Colonial rhetoric permeates each of the NAM’s constituent tenets—yet, beyond these cultural and historical problems are the NAM’s underlying conservation values. In many ways, these values share common ground with various Indigenous worldviews. For example, the idea of safeguarding wildlife for future generations, utilizing best available knowledge to solve problems, prioritizing collaboration between nations, and democratizing the process of conserving wildlife all overlap in the many ways that the NAM and common models of Indigenous-led conservation are operationalized. Working to identify shared visions and address necessary amendments of the NAM will advance reconciliation, both in the interest of nature and society. Here, we identify the gaps and linkages between the NAM and Indigenous-led conservation efforts across Canada. We impart a revised NAM—the Indigenizing North American Model of Wildlife Conservation (I-NAM)—that interweaves various Indigenous worldviews and conservation practice from across Canada. We emphasize that the I-NAM should be a continuous learning process that seeks to update and coexist with the NAM, but not replace Indigenous-led conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateen A. Hessami
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia—Okanagan, 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Ella Bowles
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia—Okanagan, 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Jesse N. Popp
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Adam T. Ford
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia—Okanagan, 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
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