Open AccessThe Role of Science in Balancing the Needs of Protected Species: An Historical Perspective
Author(s) -
Thabault Michael G.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of contemporary water research and education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1936-704X
pISSN - 1936-7031
DOI - 10.1111/j.1936-704x.2005.mp131001009.x
Subject(s) - citation , perspective (graphical) , wildlife , fish <actinopterygii> , library science , sociology , computer science , ecology , fishery , biology , artificial intelligence
Since the Endangered Species Act was passed in 1973, there have been approximately 514 animal species listed. Of those, at least 258 are aquatic species or aquatic dependant species. As one would expect, the ranges, distributions, and ecological needs of many of these species overlap. Also, due to changes in the physical environment, species have been significantly restricted to a fraction of their former range; some even may now reside where they historically had not. As a result, there may be significant conflict between the varying needs of different listed species now restricted to the same limited areas, often outside the preferred range of at least one of the species; these conflicts are further complicated when the areas involved are critically important for societal needs. However, science provides us with valuable tools to help manage these conflicts. This paper will hopefully illustrate the application (or lack of application) of these tools in the management of several such conflicts.