An article on the decline of fish in the oceans in the September issue of Smithsonian magazine dramatically illustrates how powerful hard evidence can be. “Seeing Is Believing” looks at historical research by Loren McClenachan that shows the appalling decline of fish populations in Key West, Florida over time—the fish get much smaller and some species disappear. McClenachan used newspaper articles, ship logs, and other records. The most startling evidence: 100 photos of happy day-tripping anglers at the dock with their catches. In the 1950s, man-size goliath grouper dominate the photos. Twenty-five years later, white margate of a few pounds dominate. Today, hauls are mostly small snapper. The pictures tell a dramatic story that wouldn’t have the same impact with hard numbers alone.
October 2nd, 2008 at 8:11 am
I just found your website and was thrilled to see that you are talking about ocean issues. As you recommend in your communication strategy- tell a story. Well, let me tell you a story about a PhD marine biologist that wanted to save the oceans. After years of working in the conservation field, he realized that science and advocacy alone was not enough. He researched and found evidence that successful policy came about if you throw electoral politics into the mix. So Dr. David Wilmot co-founded the first and only political organization for the oceans – Ocean Champions. http://www.oceanchampions.org.
Is it working? In just four and half years, Ocean Champions has helped get 18 members of Congress elected (both Republican and Democrat as the health of the oceans is important to all of us). These champions have pushed for many key legislation in Congress to help the oceans.
As we are in the final weeks of this year’s election, check out who Ocean Champions is endorsing.
October 2nd, 2008 at 9:33 am
Maureen, thanks for reading. This isn’t a political blog, but solving the climate crisis does require both sides of the aisle working for real progress and results, rather than watered-down compromises.