Blog posts for the Science for Environmental Management course
Figure 1. Historical trends in the Chesapeake Bay health and management. The Chesapeake Bay ecosystem has changed following the growth of human population. Studies on the Bay have also evolved from a purely scientific focus to active management and restorative efforts. The future of the bay depends on interconnecting the actions of the past, present and future generations with the dynamic nature of the Bay ecosystem and emergent issues. Synthesis from Chesapeake Literacy by Dr. Bill Dennison.

The Chesapeake Bay and the Changing Times: Beyond Science and Management

Vanessa Vargas-Nguyen, Alex Fisher, Yini Shangguan ·
18 February 2013
| Environmental Literacy | Applying Science |     8 comments

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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Figure 1. Pathways for scientific research to influence policy. The black arrows show traditional approaches, where scientists interact directly with managers as well as stakeholders who then influence politicians and policymakers. Blue arrows show science being filtered through the lens of the media to reach everyone equally. Red arrows show the approach of engaging young people in science, who then influence the adults they interact with daily and eventually the decision-makers of future generations.

Managing for Sustainable Ecosystems: Our Human Role

Maureen Brooks, Melissa Day, Katie Lecorchick ·
12 February 2013
| Applying Science |     2 comments

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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Fig.1. The traditional linear model of research translated to action in conservation science has a distinct communication breakdown between researchers and decision makers that prevents meaningful action.

The Science/Management Gap

Dale Booth, Yuanchao Zhan, A.K. Leight ·
6 February 2013
| Applying Science |     3 comments

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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