For some environmental researchers, science is about collecting knowledge. However, it is becoming increasingly necessary that scientists step up and share their work to inform policy and effectively manage environmental problems through public awareness. This requires that we learn how to use mass media outlets such as print, radio, television, and social media so that we can communicate clearly and effectively.

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Environmental crises exist on a continuum varying on the size of the affected area, severity and longevity of effects, level mitigation required, and socioeconomic impacts, all influencing the level of public involvement. Despite the need for immediate action, it is the role of the scientist to ensure adherence to the scientific method.

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If we let it, science can inform many of our decisions in terms of resource management. According to Dr. Ed Houde of Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, science should inform policy, determining whether or not we should fish a population and under what guidelines. That policy then creates management, the rules and regulations set in place, and their subsequent enforcement. The issue though, is that many people still question the science behind management, and with good reason.

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Coastal Louisiana (CL) is an economically valuable, ecologically diverse landscape, containing 40-45%of the wetlands found in the southern states1. Vital at the national scale, CL is especially important to the seafood and shipping industries, and is home to a significant proportion of the nation’s petroleum industry.

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How does ecosystem size affect different environmental management actions? To some extent, a difference in the system scale means variety in the environmental status, research directions, public attention, and management efforts. Therefore, the way of approaching certain management objectives varies based on different size scales. In this blog, we compare five cases along an increasing watershed size gradient (Fig. 1):

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The evidence is overwhelming. The stakes couldn’t be much higher. Consensus exists among scientists1. And yet, the effect of human activities on the climate, at least in the United States, remains a topic of public debate. In fact, only about 61% of Americans polled think that the globe is warming2, and 40% think there is little scientific agreement on the matter3. Toles notes the global implications of climate change and the consequences of inactivity (Washington Post, 19th Feb 2013).

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The management objectives for achieving ecosystem health can be divided into ecosystem objectives, water quality objectives, and human health objectives (Pantus and Dennison 2005). Different population sizes result in different environmental issues and ecosystem management objectives. Therefore, the way of approaching management objectives vary based on different population sizes. In this essay, we compare five case studies along a population gradient (in increasing population size):

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The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States, defined by a wide range of ecological and physical features. It supports a diverse and dynamic ecosystem which displays not only remarkable evolutionary traits but also a reflection of human history. The Chesapeake Bay and its watershed, once populated with submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) and covered with forested landscape, have changed with increasing human population and changing needs (Brush, 2008).

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Humans depend on ecosystems, whether for food, shelter, work or recreation, and these interactions are universal. We are the key ingredient to managing ourselves and rehabilitating ecosystems in order to maintain natural functions. Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) uses the principles of sustainability, precaution, adaptation and integration (Boesch 2006) as a guide for better management so we can have healthy ecosystems for ourselves and future generations.

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The disconnect between science and policy has its root in the concept of the traditional role of scientists in society. The classic view of the scientist is a researcher who is interested purely in pursuing the truth and is without bias or personal stake in the topic at hand. This role makes the researcher completely credible, because they are not swayed by personal values or beliefs.

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