Search

The aim of this study is to assess the impact of two forms of short-term knowledge communication-lectures and group deliberations-on public managers' policy beliefs regarding genetic biodiversity in the Baltic Sea. Genetic biodiversity is a key component of biological variation, but despite scientific knowledge and far-reaching political goals, genetic biodiversity remains neglected in marine management. Previous research highlights lack of knowledge among managers as one explanation to the implementation deficit. This multidisciplinary study builds on the identified need for an improved knowledge transfer between science and ongoing management. A basic knowledge package on genetic biodiversity in the Baltic Sea was presented as either a lecture or a deliberative group discussion to two separate samples of public managers who are involved in Baltic Sea and other biodiversity management at the regional level in Sweden. The empirical findings show that the communicated information has an impact on the public managers' beliefs on genetic biodiversity of the Baltic Sea. Lectures seem more efficient to transfer knowledge on this theme. Those who received information through a lecture strengthen their confidence in area protection as a management tool to conserve genetic diversity. They were also more convinced of the obligation of authorities at national and regional level to take on larger responsibility for genetic conservation than those managers who participated in a deliberative discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on an artificial laboratory's potential for carrying out cutting-edge seabird research. The Karlsö Murre Lab on the island of Stora Karlsö in the Baltic Sea is discussed wherein an artificial breeding site for Common Murres Uria algae has been built which allows high-resolution studies with minimal disturbance of the birds. A table is presented which show the planned studies that will focus on the state-dependent responses in breeding Common Murres in relation to environmental change, and local fish abundance in relation to foraging areas diving behavior. Potential studies, which are impossible to conduct in a strictly natural environment, are explored.