May 7, 2004, Hour One: State of US Science / State of the Oceans

Science Friday > Archives > 2004 > May > May 7, 2004:
Hour One: State of US Science / State of the Oceans

A new report by the government-appointed U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy says that major changes in our relationship with the oceans are urgently needed.. "Our oceans and coasts are in trouble, and we as a nation have an historic opportunity to make a positive and lasting change in the way we manage them before it is too late,” said retired Admiral James D. Watkins chair of the commission. In this hour of Science Friday, we'll take a look at ocean health, including a new study on the fate of plastics in the ocean.

Plus, is the US falling behind in science? Numbers released this week by the National Science Board indicate a decline in the number of US citizens training for jobs in science and technology. In addition, the number of scientific publications produced in the country has leveled off, while other countries continue to increase their scientific output. We'll talk about the numbers, and what they might mean. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (2-3 Eastern), and share your opinions online in our Listeners' Lounge (registration required).

Guests:
William J. Broad
Science Writer
New York Times
New York, New York

Richard C. Thompson
Senior Lecturer in Marine Biology
University of Plymouth
Plymouth, United Kingdom

Pat D.White
Chief Executive Officer, Maine Lobstermen's Association
Commissioner, Pew Oceans Commission
York, Maine

Robert B. Gagosian
Director and President, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Member, Commission on Ocean Policy Science Advisory Panel
Woods Hole, Massachusetts

This segment produced by Annette Heist

Archived Audio:
US science
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oceans
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Related Links:

An Emerging and Critical Problem of the Science and Engineering Labor Force Science and Engineering Indicators - 2004: Home Page Science Next Wave Global Home The Scientist :: US faces science shortage Commission on Ocean Policy Pew Oceans Commission Ocean Planet: Threats Ocean Health and Human Health OCO Home Page

Books/Articles Discussed:

An Emerging and Critical Problem of the Science and Engineering Labor Force

Science and Engineering Indicators - 2004: Home Page

(find books discussed on previous broadcasts)