My Thoughts on How to Positively Impact PNW's Trophic Cascades

Humans have been a major cause for the detrimental effects of the trophic cascades in the PNW.  In the case of the gray wolf,  humans feared the wolves without understanding how important they were in preventing out-of-control population growth of small and medium-sized prey (deer, hares, etc.)  Our fear led to an excessive over-exploitation of the gray wolf populations all across the continental U.S.

In the case of the sea otters, the market for otter fur was huge, extending beyond the United States, and the money paid good.  Economic greed led to an extreme over-exploitation of the sea otter population and a near extinction.


Both gray wolves and sea otters are now protected and their populations are slowly but steadily growing.  But how can we ensure that this growth continues?


I believe that the best way to do this is to continue educating the public.  An educated public is much more likely to get involved in issues that interest or concern them than a public that doesn't know any better.  This educated public can help help their governments make informed decisions on how to conduct  the conservation and management of wolf and otter populations, as well as the members of other PNW trophic cascades.

There are many different educational conservation programs already out there.  A few examples are Project Wild, National Geographic, Association of Zoos and Aquariums.  Programs such as Project Wild and National Geographic reach millions of people worldwide.



The following figure is a hypothetical representation I have synthesized of the possible impact of education on conservation, and the maintenance of trophic cascades:



In real life, this correlation would by no means necessarily be linear, but we would see a positive correlation.  I believe that increasing education could indeed increase the percent of positive impacts on trophic cascade conservation.  The more educational programs are available to a greater number of people, and on a more personal level, the more likely those people would want to become involved in conservation issues.

The percent increase in positive impact could come about for any of the following reasons: by educated people voicing their opinions to the governments making decisions regarding conservation and wildlife management, by making donations to conservation programs and efforts, by physically getting involved in conservation efforts, or by educating others on what they have learned.

In real life, this correlation would by no means necessarily be linear, but we would see a positive correlation.  In the future, I intend to discover the actual correlation.  But I do know this: education is the key!


If you would like to learn more about sea otters, or donate towards their continued protection, click here
If you would like to learn more about gray wolves, or even 'adopt' one, click here