Ecological Society of America President James MacMahon joined nearly 100 other scientific society presidents today in urging the federal government to double its investment in research over the next ten years. As president of the nation's premier society of nearly 8,000 ecological researchers, MacMahon addressed the societal benefits derived from research advances in the science of ecology.
Ecological science plays a role in all our lives.
The broad scope of this science ranges from the molecular to the global. Investment in ecological research has yielded information to improve our environment, manage natural resources, and protect human health. MacMahon noted that a striking recent example is that of the Pfiesteria outbreaks in tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. Aquatic ecologists are playing a crucial role in exploring the causes and possible solutions to toxic outbreaks of the usually benign microbe, which has resulted in thousands of fish kills and caused neurological problems in people. Investments in ecological science also help produce the next generation of professionals with the expertise to solve problems in resource management and the environment.