Famous Last Words: Everyone In The Room Says What We've Learned

At Alan's request, we go around the room and say what we took away from these two days of talk. (I got MOST of them -- tell me if I didn't get you):

• Science is important.
• Economics is important.
• Don't be cynical about the media -- you have more opportunities to change minds than you might think.
• It's important to communicate science to policymakers.
• The school of law is rethinking its role and wants input, so talk to Rita.
• We need to think more about adaptability, thinks that don't break with unexpected outcomes.
• We need to amplify the voice of science and economics in the policy arena.
• Scientists need to learn to get comfortable with the media.
• Resist the instinct to attribute every change to climate change.
• The story is the fundamental way we make sense of information.
• Management process needs to look more broadly than we have in the past -- beyond next year's quota.
• The only way we can deal with scientific uncertainty is through active public discussion.
• If we wait for scientific certainty it will be too late to implement useful policies.
• The challenge of climate change creates the opportunity for new alliances.
• Increased outreach is needed.
• Keep working on the relationship between economic, scientific research and values.
• Don't be afraid of the press.
• When you're trying to communicate your science, you've got to know your audience.
• I'd like to convene a group like this respond to a practical scenario.
• We still don't know how to move forward to improve our government structures.
  
• Our focus in discussion quickly shifted to commercial species, but we need to look at all species and the whole ecosystem.
  
• Interdisciplinary groups are important.
  
• Even if the climate were totally static, these approaches would be important anyway.
  
• Maine is a great place.
• Scenario planning is great.
  
• You Mainers need to figure out your lobster situation fast -- we didn't in Southern New England.
• Great conference. Thanks to Rita, Nicole, Kathryn, and the Law School.