Abstract: The talk explores some of challenges for the management coral reefs when science is applied in poor developing countries. Research preferences of coral reef scholars and management preferences of fishers are examined and evaluated for their value in providing solutions that address contemporary social-ecological and governance processes. Potential resolutions and solutions are explored along with the emergence of problems that are and will arise as these new resolutions are implemented.

Biography:  Tim McClanahan is a Senior Conservation Zoologist at the Wildlife Conservation Society, where he has worked for the past 15 years. He is interested in the interdisciplinary field of ecology, fisheries and the sustainable management of coral reefs, but also enjoys crossing sub-disciplines in order to solve broader conservation science issues. Consequently, in the past 20 years his research has evolved from an early focus on prioritizing the effects that humans have on coral reefs and the role that marine protected areas play in conserving biological diversity and ecological processes, to developing theoretical and simulation models of coral reefs that will help predict and suggest alternatives to reduce detrimental effects, to developing practical means to restore degraded reefs through manipulation of the food web and management. Most recently McClanahan is studying the potential interaction between global climate change and coral reef management. He has published 85 peer-reviewed journal articles, 17 book chapters, four edited books (2 are in press) and 37 other publications including popular articles, editorials and book reviews. The International Scientific Information Institute (ISI) reported that he has been the second most productive and cited coral reef scientist over the past 10 years. This work has received international attention and, in 1996, he was awarded the Pew Scholars in the Environment Award for this research and conservation efforts.