Making an Impact
IOCS science has contributed to policy solutions and positive societal change in many ways. Below are selected examples showing our impact on a specific conservation issue, through targeted scientific projects and how they led to tangible and beneficial outcomes.
Preventing Extinction
The Issue: Protecting Endangered and Threatened Sturgeon Species
Our Science:
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Tagging beluga and Atlantic sturgeon to track migratory routes
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DNA barcoding to track illegal caviar served in restaurants
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Conducting population analytics in the Caspian region with Kazahk collaborators
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Publishing the first-ever global assessment of global sturgeon and paddlefish species
Our Impact:
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Beluga sturgeon listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act
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U.S. ban on most beluga sturgeon caviar imports
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CITES international trade bans enacted
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Consumer campaigns encourage consumption of sustainable, farm-raised sturgeon
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Improved enforcement of illegal sturgeon fishing
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10-year moratorium on sturgeon fishing on Romania beluga and Atlantic sturgeon to track migratory routes
Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management
The Issue: Moving away from managing fish populations individually and towards recognizing the ecosystem as a whole
Our Science:
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Published EBFM scientific consensus as a Policy Forum in the journal Science
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Led the Lenfest Forage Fish Task Force in developing ecosystem-based management recommendations for forage fish
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Published the value of forage fish to marine species and ecosystems
Our Impact:
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Shaping new conversations on integrating ecosystems into fisheries management
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Influencing the ASMFC on EBFM for Atlantic menhaden
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Uptake of key LFFTF recommendations by several US states and other nations
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Seafood Watch adopts LFFTF guidelines for sustainability
Promoting Conservation Awareness
The Issue: Distilling and disseminating scientific concepts to influential groups and the general public for increased marine conservation awareness and stewardship.
Our Science:
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Convening high-level symposia on MPAs in Rome, Italy, and at the United Nations
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Curating hands-on experiences and field trips for UN ambassadors and leading STEM educators in Shinnecock Bay
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Frequent speaking engagements at public events and scientific conferences.
Our Impact:
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Inspiring decision-makers at the global level
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Training teachers on local water quality issues for implementation into lesson plans
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Educating residents, groups, and businesses on Long Island