Accordingly, a majority of the researchers highlighted in the special supplement to Ecological Applications are calling for more accurate accounting systems used in the economic development and ecological management of global marine fisheries. These measures would reflect the true cost of removing fish from the breeding populations, and would take into account the ecological and economic impacts of chemical contaminants on fish production. More elaborate simulation modeling is not the only solution advocated by researchers included in this series. Some claim that the task of accurately describing marine and coastal ecosystem dynamics is fraught with uncertainty, and hold marine reserves as the only true protection against steadily increasing pressures on ocean resources. Others assert that while establishing reserves may relieve some of the direct pressures on fish populations, additional measures are essential to protect marine resources from pollution and to prevent disease outbreaks catastrophic to the health of both fish and humans.
Science has a large role to play in defining and understanding sustainability.
Making it happen, though, is a societal challenge. Members of the press only should contact the Public Affairs Office to receive free reprints of this series. Through ESA reports, journals, membership research, and expert testimony to Congress, ESA seeks to promote the responsible application of ecological data and principles to the solution of environmental problems. Information about the Society and its activities are published in the Society's newsletter, NewSource , and in the quarterly Bulletin.