Preprint volume - SIBM

Pre-print Volume – Introductory lecture
Topic 1: BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION SCIENCE: CONTRIBUTING TO MANAGEMENT
contribution to that discussion that will inform the decisions being made on
determining GES. Mee (2008) had already anticipated the difficulties that would arise
in defining GES due to the value judgements that would have to be made reflecting
policy and societal expectations. It is important that we understand this interplay
between science and policy so we do not end up with politically driven targets (i.e. that
are low so we can meet them or based on an unsustainable use of the environment) or
unrealistic targets that don’t take account of the ongoing and necessary interaction of
humans with the marine environment. Scientists have a key role to play in collecting
and analysing long-term data sets (crucial for understanding the state of the marine
environment and how things change over time in response to natural and anthropogenic
drivers) and providing information on the amount of pressure that species or habitats
can be subjected to before functional integrity is compromised.
References
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