Defining and using 'best available science': a policy conundrum for the management of aquatic ecosystems

Abstract

Integrative research has been the dominant theme in this Special Issue, demonstrated by contemporary examples of effective collaborations and solutions for the successful engagement of scientists in the policy and management arena. Evident in these papers is the increasing use of the term ‘best available science’ (BAS) as a basis for well-informed resource management decisions. The term is used to engender credibility and trust among stakeholders and promotes greater awareness, communication, involvement, transparency and understanding among research, policy and management communities. However, there remains no clear statement of the properties of BAS or guidance on its practical application in the decision-making process. We define the attributes that underpin BAS and examine the issues of uncertainty, risk and communication as key challenges to successful integrative management. We advocate an interdisciplinary process that facilitates understanding of discipline-based knowledge structures, articulates uncertainty and risk about the scientific information, and promotes engagement and trust among the generators and users of information. Ultimately, successful management of aquatic ecosystems will rely on scientists, managers and decision makers who have the skills and courage to apply the best science available and not wait for the best science possible.

Coastal wetlands of temperate eastern Australia: will Cinderella ever go to the ball?

“…see Ryder et al 2010). Until we have the additional and targeted investment to support an appropriate level of fundamental and applied research into the ecology and management of our coastal temperate wetlands, it is difficult to see how we can do anything other than manage such areas with the ignorance-based world view that Turner outlines.…”

Developing best-practice Bayesian Belief Networks in ecological risk assessments for freshwater and estuarine ecosystems: A quantitative review

“…Adaptive management frameworks that incorporate BBNs can assist in bridging the science/management divide. This approach facilitates understanding of the knowledge transfer between disciplines, and provides a structure for risk identification, transparency of causal relationships and propagation analyses, and communication (Roux et al, 2006;Ryder et al, 2010). We propose a novel ERA framework that integrates bestpractice BBNs with adaptive management decision making principles ( Fig.…”

Evaluating the evidence-base for the Nitrate Directive regulations controlling the storage of manure in field heaps

“…In contrast, an evidence-based approach aims to reduce uncertainty and remove bias from decision making processes by basing decisions, on the best available scientific evidence (Sharman and Holmes, 2010). Bayliss et al (2012) concluded that the success of the evidence-based approach can be limited by the lack of effective knowledge transfer between scientist and policy makers, which is further complicated by difficulties in defining what constitutes ''best available science'' (Ryder et al, 2010).…”