Fisheries Researchers Cite Errors in Scientific Publications

An article written by six prominent fisheries researchers and published in the October issue of online magazine Marine Policy, contends that scientific publications often influence evolving policies and inform the public, but that they at times contain errors.

“The prevalence of papers conveying unjustified messages and with potential to influence public perceptions and policies is concerning,” the six researchers from Argentina, Australia, NOAA Fisheries, Africa and the University of Washington, stated in the article.

Their paper focuses on marine examples that have led to exaggeration of negative impacts on ecosystems particularly from fisheries, but that these criticisms and recommendations also apply more generally.

Examples are given include papers on high profile topics that used flawed assumptions or methods, leading to some misleading findings. All examples were eventually followed by published rebuttals. Such papers, often accompanied by media campaigns, can lead to inappropriate policy choices, and other negative outcome, they said.

“Science is eventually self-correcting, but often too slowly to prevent flawed perceptions and policies. Problems should be corrected before publication,” they said. “A common weakness in the publication process is inadequate peer-review.”

To avoid the impact of flawed science on policies, they recommended a three-pronged approach, consisting of: (1) scientists who strive for objectivity and accuracy; (2) journals with editors and referees better equipped to guard against unreliable scientific publications; and (3) transparent and inclusive scientific processes to formulate advice on policies and their implementation.

Research included is from the field of fisheries management, which is the researchers’ primary professional focus. They acknowledged widespread conservation problems as a result of poorly managed fisheries and other human actions, which they said need to be urgently addressed.

Erroneous and sometimes misleading information in publications promoting particular agendas, and often using the media to gain attention, continue to be cited to promote those agendas, despite published rebuttals, they said, potentially leading to misinformed decisions and unexpected consequences and, in the long run, may jeopardize the credibility of science.

“We recognize that, in common with all scientists, each of us is subject to our own, intrinsic biases, but our individual and collective commitment is to provide objective, relevant scientific information that is as reliable as possible, in efforts to achieve sustainable fisheries within their ecosystems, and optimal human and ecological benefits,” they said.

The six researchers are: Kevern Cochrane of Rhodes University, and D.S. Butterworth of the University of Cape Town, both in South Africa; Ana M. Parma of Centro Nacional Patagonia, in Argentina; E.E. Plaganyi-Lloyd of Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research, in Brisbane, Australia; Michael Sissenwine, a member of the New England Fishery Management Association representing NOAA Fisheries; and Ray Hilborn of the University of Washington School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences in Seattle.