Rethinking the interface between ecology and society. The case of the cockle controversy in the Dutch Wadden Sea

摘要: 1. Applied ecology, like conservation research, may deal with societal issues if its scientifically based interventions have consequences. Human utilization plays a significant role in many ecosystems, so ecologists often to act on the interface between science and society, where controversies arise. 2. Using insights from technology studies, we analysed 15-year controversy ecological effects of cockle fishing Dutch Wadden Sea, which began around 1990 involved nature protection shellfish organizations, as well several leading ecologists, heated debate. 3. During this controversy, evaluative research was undertaken by consortium institutes order contribute process political decision-making government fishery area. In addition conservational commercial interests, itself became part controversy. 4. The projects during are examples societally contextualized science, implying that interests disputes intertwined scientific arguments. We applied dynamic model contextualization stakes uncertainty considered main factors determining different contexts functions. 5. Synthesis applications. Conservation whether it is fundamental or managerially orientated, related greater aims might easily face more less complex situations. Such situations imply extended responsibilities for scientists. Not only there need sound but also way interacting communicating environment. Some elements such notion accountability presented.