The Subcommittee recognizing…“that the conservation of our ocean and wildlife
resources will be “… impacted by a host of challenges, including climate change, energy
development, the economic downturn, and federal budget deficits…”, has asked my
views “regarding: 1) the information, product, and service needs necessary to address
conservation in a dynamic era; and 2) new tools, which Congress may consider…to
protect and conserve…ecologically healthy oceans.”
In the global and national context, the substantial environmental challenges that we face
are intertwined with the ever-increasing human population and consequent food and
water shortages; growing limitations in waste-management options; and declining
societal welfare. The concentration of population into cities located on coasts or large
waterways continues unabated. The differences in priorities between the rich and the
poor are significant challenges to any comprehensive approach to coastal and ocean
conservation.
In addressing these issues, we have sometimes arrived at simplistic definitions and
approaches that are potentially ineffective in solving the problem. These simplistic
approaches are evident in terms of both what we know and what we do not know and in
terms of the conceptual underpinnings for policy…. To read the remainder of Dr. Rothschild’s testimony, please click below.
Managing Ocean and Wildlife Resources
This testimony was originally given by Dr. Rothschild on March 3, 2009 to the House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife.
