I would like to announce the publication of the following paper:

Rose, N.A., D. Janiger, E.C.M. Parsons, and M. Stachowitsch. 2011. Shifting baselines in scientific publications: A case study using cetacean research. Marine Policy 35: 477-482.

Abstract:

The marine sciences have undergone a sequence of historical changes related to new methodologies, approaches and challenges. Most recently, deteriorating natural ecosystems and threatened component species have prompted a renewed change in the focus of scientific research on the marine environment. This study analyzes the scientific literature on cetaceans during the period 2005–2008 to demonstrate that a key focus of modern research is on conservation-related topics, and then compares it to the period 1970–1973 to demonstrate that this new focus represents a shift from basic biological and ecological issues. On average, approximately 46% of papers published on whales, dolphins and porpoises in 2005–2008 were categorized as conservation oriented versus focused on biology or ecology. This contrasts to approximately 10% in 1970–1973. This shift parallels other marine research subjects, such as benthic communities, coral reefs and sea turtles and reflects a general paradigm shift in marine research towards anthropogenic impacts. This is important guidance for institutions and organizations that wish to base their agendas and decisions on state-of-the-art scientific priorities.

A .pdf copy can be downloaded from the journal’s website (subscribers only) at:

www.elsevier.com/locate/marpol

Or you can send a request for a .pdf to me at

nrose@hsi.org

Naomi A. Rose, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist, HSI-Wildlife
nrose@hsi.org
t +1 301.258.3048     f +1 301.258.3082

Humane Society International
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