Bridging the gap of local scientific and management needs in marine biodiversity

Making Marine Science Matters is to bridge the gap between differing needs of science and management of marine resources. Often this gap causes impractical solutions which lead to unsuccessful conservation efforts. Hence, we... [ view full abstract ]

Making Marine Science Matters is to bridge the gap between differing needs of science and management of marine resources. Often this gap causes impractical solutions which lead to unsuccessful conservation efforts. Hence, we are proposing a focus group to discuss on where we draw the line between management priorities and scientific curiosity. This is so that we can manage marine resources effectively without compromising ecological understanding while simultaneously conducting researches that are of local management priorities. Our goal is to explore the best possible ways to incorporate limited localised scientific knowledge and data into local level management to address marine conservation issues at a specific site. Despite having abundant studies of coral reefs in various topics from around the world that addressed some conservation issues, there is no one model that fits all. Most of the 71 important questions for the conservation of marine biodiversity will not only be addressed but can be applied into management strategy as well. We expect to publish an advocacy report that draws upon recommendations to how to prioritise localised research that provide value to practical management solutions in which will assist us in applying these recommendations at our project sites. We are proposing a one and a half hour town hall forum format with Reef Check Malaysia being the moderator. We expect 20 participants from various background including active conservationists, academic researchers from biologists to social scientists, marine resource managers and various stakeholders.