Scientific Assertions that Muddle Ecological Policy

Dr. Robert T. Lackey, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, presents the keynote address at the 58th Annual Meeting of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Montreal, Canada, May 29, 2013.  Scientists are at risk of being marginalized in the political arena.  For many segments of society, scientists have become simply another policy advocacy group.  One reason is that three erroneous assertions have gained credence among scientists and policy-makers:  (1) science is the key to resolving ecological policy disputes;  (2) natural ecosystems are superior to human-altered ones;  and (3) the values — that is, the policy preferences — of scientists are special.  Acceptance of these assertions undermines the legitimate role that science and scientists should play in policy deliberations.