AquaNet III Network Investigator Workshops

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• AquaNet III - Network Investigator Workshops
• 26 October 2002

Translating Research Findings into Public Policy
Advice
Dr. Thomas W. Sephton Manager, Aquaculture
Divison St. Andrews Biological Station St.
Andrews, NB
Dr. Joan Kean-Howie Director General,
Oceanograohy Aquaculture Science Ottawa, ON
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Why Do We Need This Talk?
A man in a hot air balloon is floating along and
gets lost in theclouds. When there is a break he
sees someone on the ground and descends to just
above the man to ask for directions. The man
answers You are at 45 degree, 25 minutes, 29
seconds north, and 75 degrees, 42 minutes, 20
seconds west. Im standing 100 m above sea-level,
so you must be at about 120 m The man in the
balloon replies You must be a scientist! I ask
youa simple question, and you give me too much
information and Im still lost. The man on the
ground answers You must be a policy person.You
come out of nowhere with questions, I give you
the mostprecise answer I can, youre still lost
and you blame me!
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DFO Aquaculture Perspective

• Science driven/dependant Policy Regulations
• Introductions and Transfers - Risk Assessment
  Monitoring Data
• Sustainable Aquaculture Development -
  Environmental monitoring Broodstock
  development New species biology/
  physiology/nutrition
• Biotechnology - Pedigree/stock tracking
  Diagnostic sensitivity/specificity Genetic
  selection for optimal growth
• Aquatic Animal Health - Diagnostics
  Surveillance strategies Effective disease
  response and control measures

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Introductions and Transfers

• Science
• Risk Assessment
• Disease Information
• Genetics
• Ecological Factors
• Physiology

• Policy
• National Code on Introduction and Transfers of
  Aquatic Organisms
• NASCO Protocols for Introduction and Transfer
  ofSalmonids in the North American Commission
  Area

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Sustainable Aquaculture Development

• Science
• Environmental monitoring
• Seed / Egg / Broodstock selection
• Broodstock development
• New species biology / physiology / nutrition

• Policy/Regulations
• Site selection
• NWPA Section 35
• CEAA Section 36
• Access to wild fisheryresources

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Biotechnology

• Science
• Stock tracking / forensics
• Diagnostic sensitivity/ specificity
• Genetic selection for optimal growth /
  Pedigreetracking

• Policy/Regulations
• CEPA BiotechnologyRegulations
• Cartagena Protocols
• SARA
• HC / EC
• Fishery Management

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Aquatic Animal Health

• Science
• Diagnostic techniques(c.f. biotechnology,microbi
  ology, virology)
• Epidemiology to support surveillance strategies,
  disease management
• Effective disease response control measures
• Development of disease resistant/tolerant animals

• Policy/Regulations
• FHPR
• Fisheries (General) Regulations
• Section 4 Permits
• WTO SPS Measures
• OIE Aquatic Animal Code
• Site location spacing

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Challenges

• Communications
• Technical Language - blind them with Science
• Policy Terminology - jargon buzz words
• Expectations
• Timelines answers today vs. years for results
• Costs - experience vs. the lowest bid

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Classic Science/Policy Decision-Making Process
Science What does the data tell us regarding
management challenges? Assessment What does the
data mean? Policy What choices do we
have? Politics What can we do?
Increasing level of importance of outside factors
Decreasing level of involvement of scientists
Adapted from Creating a Common Purpose CCMD 2002
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Suggested Approaches

• Need for different approach to science-based
  policy decision-making process
• Incorporate policy makers and scientists
  throughout the analysis decision making process
  eliminate the handoff.
• Include policy experts on technical teams and
  scientists in policy development related to their
  field of expertise (e.g., geneticists in
  biotechnology policy ecologists and
  oceanographers in site access policy development)
• Increase dialogue to clarify terminology and
  expectations throughout the evolution of
  scientific data and experience to a workable and
  realistic policy framework

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Questions??