1999 Series 2 Number 1 Page 14
The Crisis in Marine Biodiversity and Key Knowledge.
Dr. Don McAllister, an ichthyologist with the Canadian Museum of Nature and U British Columbia, evaluated the status of marine biodiversity and ecological knowledge as the 20th century closed, and what was needed [then and now] to conserve it.
This was a long, detailed, comprehensive, and well documented review of the science at the time, with many references.
Dr. McAllister said much closer and more extensive monitoring of fish was required, and that governments and industry needed to control their catch much better if fisheries were not to collapse. He felt human activities threatened the survival of species–resources on which humanity relies–and concluded with the following text.
“Democratic societies are presently faced with the choice of continuing with polices that are not sustainable environmentally, socially, and economically, that are built on fluctuating markets affected by short-term whims of investors, or of investing in knowledge-based policies that maintain biodiversity, equitable economic benefits, and the ecosphere. Large portions of the ocean’s ecosystems are affected to a lesser or greater degree by human activities. How will citizens and governments respond?
“The investment in academic, museum, NGO, and management organizations so that they can generate needed knowledge are modest compared with the vast benefits derived from the oceans. They are also modest compared to the large losses we have recently seen incurred when they are mismanaged. Is there a better way to celebrate the International Year of the Oceans or to start the new millenium?
“If we base our decisions on knowledge-based wisdom about species and ecosystems, then the peace, beauty, diversity, and productivity of the oceans will be passed on to the next millenium. This is one of the greatest heritages that we can leave to future generations. The ecological functions that sustain the ecosphere and humanity will be sustained.
“For Earth Day this year, my ten-year-old granddaughter…wrote, “If we take care of the Earth, it will take care of us.” Applying here maxim, if we take care of the oceans, they will take care of us.”
[Does this sound familiar? I think one would have to conclude from the evidence in the last link below that at least the latter has not occurred. Ed.]
Link to | The Crisis in Marine Biodiversity and Key Knowledge.
Click the link below for information about Dr. McAllister, who died in 2001.
Link to | Biographic Information about Don McAllister.
Link to | Source: Tribute to Dr. Don McAllister.
The link above was used to obtain the article, which is linked below.
Link to | Tribute to Dr. Don McAllister.
Link to | Wikipedia entry on World Fisheries Production.
Leave a Reply