Another baseline shift, more species in trouble and more than ever I see the increasing need for effective science communication.
S. Elizabeth Alter, Eric Rynes, and Stephen R. Palumbi have new research with very strong evidence that the grey whale populations of the Pacific were once at least 70,000 individuals strong and likely closer to 96,000 or stronger, not the 20,000 to 22,000 we previously thought. Another shifted baseline. So celebrations of their recovery to 22,000 individuals, while genuine cause for celebration, are not a return to pre-industrial whaling levels and the end of the conservation job.
Now there is significant cause for concern about the 22,000 out there since many of them are showing signs of malnutrition this year on their return from the northern feeding grounds. It seems the northern oceans, with global warming and changes on oceanographic regimes, cannot support even the 22,000 that are left. Combine these two news items and it would appear that recent changes to the ecosystem have significantly reduced the carrying capacity of this animal. One that is in many respects a benthic bio-engineer: re-suspending tons of organic material and sediments as it feeds in the bottom. All that resuspended material is then available for other animals.
At the same time this news is coming out, the IUCN Red List have been updated with 41,415 species now on the list and 16,306 species threatened with extinction. The rate at which species are being added to the list is really scary. Today, one in four mammals is on that list along with one third of the amphibian species described.
Which brings me to subject I have been thinking on for more than a few years: science communication and outreach. Not communication in the form of press releases hyping a new research paper and spinning results for headlines. Not the vitriolic sparring with other cultural groups… I mean true communications of the science research being conducted, its impacts and implications. There are a number of scientists, like Carl Safina, who are embracing cultural groups they once might have sparred with, finding the common ground they need to attack the pressing problems they both recognize and share.
In our beliefs, in our concerns, we have significant differences. We knew about those going in. What we didn’t realize was how much we have in common. Discovering that, and respectfully recognizing our essential humanity, has been very constructive, and something I much appreciate. The main goal on both sides is to bring more people to understand and feel concerned for the ways people are changing Earth’s climate system, and to act. We’re focusing primarily on that.
-Carl Safina
I have no idea yet what I will do for graduate school, but I know that I want to make communications and outreach a large part of what I become in the end. I still want to be involved in active research, but there has to be communication.
Hat tips to blogfish and The Intersection for todays seeds.
Last Ride
Date: September 13
Distance: 31.6 km ( 19.6 miles)
Ride type/Bike: Commute / Tri-Cross
September Distance: 127.3 km (79.1 miles)
Year To Date Distance: 589.0 km (366.0 miles)
Weight Lost/Gained: -0.45 kg (-1.0 pounds)
