Geography, Marine Ecology, and the Law

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Biogeographers and lawyers generally fulfill very different functions. Along with other researchers, biogeographers generate data, while lawyers and others in the policy arena attempt to apply those data in a sensible way.

This research attempts to bridge this occupational divide, seeing data generation and application as two sides of the same coin. Two fundamental research questions will be addressed:

(1) How does geography influence biological diversity in the sea?, and (2) How are biological data translated into the legal and policy sphere?

Addressing the first question, examples will be given from the west coast of North America to illustrate some of the ecological complexity that recent genetic studies have uncovered. The Endangered Species Act and other laws will be explored for examples of structural and practical hurdles to effective use of primary data.

Suggestions for inroads will be made by which those who generate data can make a more immediate impact on natural resources law and policy.

Dr. Ryan Kelly is a candidate for the Marine Geography assistant professor position in the Geography Department, College of Social Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in ecology and evolution from Columbia University and will receive a J.D. in May, 2011 from Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California at Berkeley. He is an editor of the Ecology Law Quarterly and was a post-doctoral investigator at Stanford University's Hopkins Marine Station. He helped to develop the scientific basis for implementation of California's Marine Life Protection Act.

His talk is co-sponsored by the Graduate Ocean Policy Certificate Program.

Event Sponsor
Geography, Manoa Campus

More Information
Alison Rieser, 956-8467, rieser@hawaii.edu

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