THE PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE PROJECT
ONLINE CONSULTATION
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From: Rob Cozens
Affiliation: Ocean Wildnerness Network
Remote Name: compression03.oak.mdsg-pacwest.com
Time: 15:20:47 +0100
"In my understanding of precautionary principles, the focus is HOW to decide not WHEN to decide." More specifically, the focus of precautionary principals is how to factor in scientific uncertainty when making decisions that impact ecosystems. Section 2.5.5.1 of the Pacific Fisheries Management Council's Groundfish Essential Fish Habitat Draft Environmental Impact Statement reads [in part]: "The reader should note that analytical limitations are presented with the express purpose of informing decisionmakers so that, where appropriate, precautionary management principles (how to act in the absence of definitive information) can be considered." Environmental Defense's comments on the EFH DEIS state [in part], "Precautionary management principles demand action to reduce potential threats even when scientific evidence is incomplete or not definitive. Coupled with adaptive management--the use of management measures explicitly designed to increase information, and the adjustment of management measures based on such information--precautionary management is the surest way to protect the productive capacity of fish stocks, the integrity of the ecosystems on which they depend, and the sustainability of fisheries." The preceeding is a statement of my personal opinion, and does not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of OWN's Executive Committee and/or constituant organizations.
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