Interpreting Scientists, Who Interpret Nature
I speak Scientist. Science has its own vocabulary, and sometimes that vocabulary can sound and look like a foreign language. This week, I'm interpreting at the 13th International Coral Reef Symposium in Honolulu, Hawaii. And, I'm translating with illustration & design. The theme of this year's gathering on Oahu is "Bridging Science to Policy" and its aim is to unite scientists, policy makers, managers and stakeholders to make sure coral reefs are around for future generations. Coral reefs are not only important for the plant and animal communities that depend on them for survival, they are important to humanity as well.
Below is a visual interpretation (in five parts) of research presented by scientists at: Coral Conservation in Times of Change: Letting Nature Pick the Winners (Oral Session 06 on Monday, June 20th, 2016). What can you fathom about coral reefs and conservation from the information below? Is there anything you don't understand? Is there a resource where you can find out more about coral reefs and conservation? (hint: yes).
One thing often lost in translation is, scientists often have more questions than answers. Science is rarely black and white, but sometimes it does reveal truths. One truth is that a species will adapt and survive, or die. Another truth is that knowledge followed by action can make a difference. Animals like humpback whales, elephant seals, and bald eagles are a few examples of species that have come back from the brink of extinction because science, policy and communities worked together—humanity helped other species survive. It's exciting to be at a gathering where humans are collaborating to help an entire ecosystem survive.
Presenter (in bold), Authors, Title
Bay, R. A.; Rose, N. H.; Palumbi, S. R.; EVOLUTIONARY RESCUE AND GENOMIC ADAPTATION TO OCEAN WARMING
Chan, W. Y.; Peplow, L. M.; Hoffmann, A. A.; van Oppen, M. J.; ASSISTED EVOLUTION VIA HYBRIDIZATION: A NEW APPROACH IN CORAL REEF CONSERVATION
Stier, A. C.; Schindler, D. E.; Pinsky, M. L.; Essington, T.; Webster, M. S.; Colton, M. A.; CAN CLIMATE ADAPTATION PORTFOLIOS MITIGATE RISK IN THE FACE OF UNCERTAIN IMPACTS OF GLOBAL CHANGE?
Semon-Lunz, K.; Wirt, K.; Neely, K.; Williams, D.; Whittle, A.; ACROPORA PALMATA'S LAST STAND IN THE FLORIDA KEYS?
Paris, C. B.; Le Hénaff, M.; Chaput, R.; Dahlgren, C.; REVERSING THE DECLINE: MODELING TARGETED CONNECTIVITY IN BAHAMIAN ACROPORIDS
Colton, M. A.; Webster, M. S.; EVOLUTIONARY ADAPTATION POTENTIAL: FROM NOVEL SCIENCE TO PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Want more answers? Visit the ICRS 2016 website and discover more about this session and the entire coral reef symposium.