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American Association for the Advancement of Science
Good afternoon. On behalf of Governor Locke and myself, I would like to welcome the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) to Washington State and Seattle. The Emerald City.
As a scientist, I certainly know and applaud the role the AAAS played in promoting rigorous scientific standards. As a policymaker, I can't tell you how much I agree with - and support - the association's commitment to increase public understanding and involvement in science and technology.
I am delighted that AAAS decided to debut its public involvement initiative with a Town Hall meeting here, and equally delighted that the subject is marine sciences, a subject that is near and dear to the hearts of most of us who live and work in the uniquely beautiful Puget Sound region.
As director of this state's largest natural resource agency, I have long argued that we have a duty not only to make our science understandable and accessible to other scientists, but to our constituents as well, most importantly the general public.
Because without their understanding, without their support, the odds of positively influencing public policy decisions are greatly diminished.
One of the first things I did when I was appointed director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife five years ago was reorganize the agency to underscore the role that science must play in decisions regarding natural resource management.
The reason I did this was based on my firm belief that objective science (as opposed to advocacy), is the foundation from which everything we do emanates.
But I also believe that if we are to stand a chance to put this science into practice, it is essential we invite the public into our world - a world that to the uninitiated can seem Byzantine, bureaucratic, and just plain un-responsive.
To do otherwise, is setting ourselves up for failure and disappointment.
Nowhere is the development of good marine science - and public understanding and support of that science - more important than right here. For example; 70 to 80% of the nearshore environment in Puget Sound is no longer functional. It is gone and needs to be restored - a huge complicated endeavor on par with restoring Chesapeake Bay and the Everglades in Florida to a functional state.
Fortunately, there are a number of exciting, science-based initiatives now underway aimed at rebuilding functional ecosystems. A number of projects led by top scientists, and supported by top policymakers, including Governor Gary Locke and others, are taking place.
Let me mention a few:
The AAAS recently conducted a nation-wide survey of American adults to better understand their attitudes and opinions on the field of marine sciences and on the science topics in general. One of the surprising results was that two out of every three adults believe that scientists cannot be trusted to put society's interest or benefits above their own personal agendas.
So the scientific process to be trusted to work in solving these complicated natural issues, there are some key challenges:
The bottom line is this: Only by working together in a collaborative fashion can we devise long-term solutions that balance the needs of those who use, enjoy and make a living from marine resources with the conservation of those resources.
Thank you.
remarks by Dr. Jeff Koenings
Director, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
February 15, 2004
We have to improve our understanding of natural processes, their functions and their linkages through scientific process.
We have to drastically increase our ability to effectively communicate scientific findings to the public (including legislators and members of the congress), and to delineate the public's role and responsibility in a collaborative, solution-oriented manner.
Keep objective science, as opposed to advocacy, as the basis or framework for regulatory actions to increase the credibility of regulations that effect people's lives. "Credibility is crucial for compliance."
Balance science-based outcomes with policy decisions that respect the economy and jobs knowing that people who are secure in making a living will invest heavily in a living, vibrant environment.
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