An interesting thing I found about these articles is the focus that the Fernandes article puts on science, while the Arkema article discusses the lack of scientific based management objectives in ecological systems. In the chapters we read on the Great Barrier Reef, the discussion seemed very science-based and reliant on scientific data and knowledge about nutrient and energy cycles.
Arkema speaks of the lack of monitoring in management objectives, as well as the lack of stakeholder involvement past the design stage. But, the GBRMPA does a great job of monitoring and reviewing through the use of zoning. They address goals from all different types of stakeholders, which help them get more people involved in the ultimate goal of protecting the Great Barrier Reef.
We talked in class about how to get people to care. I think it is easier to get people to care when we are talking about beautiful things such as the Great Barrier Reef. I think people will believe cases and be interested in helping this cause of such a beautiful ecosystem. I think an even bigger problem, as Fernandes talks about in his article, is when people are needed to protect not-so-beautiful areas. Areas of “high public interest,” as he states, are easier to protect and see the positive outcomes, than other areas such as systems in the deep water that are not as noticeable or heard of. A main problem with this is that people do not understand the scientific process behind why these less noticeable areas need help, which goes back to ecosystem-based management and the great need for scientific knowledge in the beginning stages of management.
Works Cited:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/76/Blue_Linckia_Starfish.JPG
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1b/GreatBarrierReef-EO.JPG
Fernandes, Leanne, et al. “A Process to Design a Network of Marine No-take Areas: Lessons from the Great Barrier Reef.” Ocean & Coastal Management 52.8 (2009): 439-47. Web.
Arkema, Katie K., et al. “Marine Ecosystem-based Management: From Characterization to Implementation.” Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 4.10 (2006): 525-32. Web.