The Skimmer on Marine Ecosystems and Management

So the presidential election in the United States has us thinking…. The time scales at which ocean issues develop and can be addressed (e.g., sea level rise, ocean acidification, coral bleaching, loss of biodiversity) often stretch over decades – or centuries – whereas political cycles and management regimes often last for only a few years. How does the disconnect between the time scales of problem development and policy response affect your work? Are good projects abandoned or never even started? Have you found ways to keep working towards long-term solutions despite shifting governance and priorities? Do you have any suggestions for other conservation/management practitioners dealing with these issues?

Last month, MEAM covered impact investing – that is, investment in ventures or initiatives that have positive social or environmental results as well as financial returns – and its potential for helping ocean ecosystems and communities. In this issue of MEAM, we learn from two entrepreneurs, Kelly Wachowicz of Catch…

Tundi Agardy, Contributing Editor of MEAM, discusses innovative coastal and marine management in Victoria, Australia.

UPDATED: Hands-on activities for teaching about ecosystems services and ecosystem-based management (EBM)

Latest news and resources for ocean planners for the month of October 2016.

In this opinion piece by Tundi Agardy, she discusses whether the public or private sector should bear the burden of proof for showing that maritime activities would not cause adverse impacts to the environment, economy, or society and how EBM affects this.