Political meddling alleged in US wildlife service

[Pooeypants]

Political meddling alleged in US wildlife service * 18:12 11 February 2005 * NewScientist.com news service * Shaoni Bhattacharya Many scientists at the US Fish and Wildlife Service say they have been pushed to alter or withdraw scientific findings on the protection of species for political reasons, according to a new survey. "Political interference with science at the FWS has become pervasive," says Lexi Shultz at the Union of Concerned Scientists in Washington, DC, US. Fifty-six per cent of the 400 scientists who responded to the survey reported cases where "commercial interests have inappropriately induced the reversal or withdrawal of scientific conclusions or decisions through political intervention". The survey was conducted by UCS and the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility group. A culture of fear was also indicated by the survey, to which 30% of the 1400 FWS staff responded, with many biologists trying to "keep their heads down and stay out of trouble", according to Schulz. The FWS has yet to comment on the report, but a spokesman for the US Interior Department - which oversees the FWS - said the system was working. "There's nothing inappropriate about people higher up the chain of command supervising the work of people below them and reaching different scientific conclusions," Hugh Vickery told the San Francisco Chronicle. "Does everyone like it? No. But they are doing [their jobs] properly."

Read the rest here

Is this a real problem? What can we do to address it if necessary?

[Pooeypants]

So nobody cares about the welfare of the America's wildlife? Not even a teenie weenie bit?

[Matt W]

It would appear not. I think it's a dangerous thing that folks on the ground are being almost censored by their superiors....but do they not have other outlets of expression? Anyone?

[Paavo]

Altering science because of anything is always wrong. There is nothing more important than truth, no matter how small a detail or how controversial the conclusion. Darnit.

[Mr.Vicchio]

I care, I just think the government has done a shitty job of dealing with "wildlife". Yellowstone, perfect example. Read "state of Fear" by Michael Chriton, you might see what I am talking about.

[Pooeypants]

I currently do not access to that book, can you please summarise it for me?

[Mr.Vicchio]

It's a more book on the enviroment, but he lays out some pretty strong evidence that government planning and control of things like.. wildlife, is often far more harmful then it's helpful. It's a really good read, and I would highly suggest getting a hold of a copy.