Good science is essential for sound environmental decision-making. Science is a process of inquiry aimed at building a body of knowledge that is constantly open to confirmation and refutation through peer-review publications.
Scientific knowledge is obtained incrementally over time from many small discoveries.
Scientists require a large body of supporting evidence generated by many different scientists before they are comfortable supporting any particular hypothesis. For Pfiesteria-related issues the process of science is in the early stages and, although much good research has been conducted, there is a high degree of uncertainty surrounding many issues. Opposing views by scientists are confusing to the public and to policy-makers, but they are the processes of science at work. Unfortunately, public and legislative pressure for information on Pfiesteria has compromised the scientific peer-review process to some degree. The slow pace of scientific discovery is basically incompatible with much public policy where timely decisions must be made to protect human health and the environment.