Marc Mangel, distinguished professor at University of California, Santa Cruz, spoke to the Marine Conservation Class at SoMAS on Friday, November 8th, 2013. Mangel’s research team applies mathematical and theoretical biology to solve biological and ecological problems, primarily related to fisheries management. His group is currently focused on the effects of climate change on Antarctic krill.
Mangel is a key witness in a court case evaluating the Japanese special permit whaling program, and is the Independent Scientific Expert for Australia for this case in the International Court of Justice (ICJ). While meeting with MCP students, Mangel discussed how to bridge the gap between science and effective conservation practices.
“Changing policy is about building relationships. You have to talk to people about biology who don’t have a background in the field, and convince them the science is trustworthy,” said Mangel.