The scientific method is based on skepticism and the demand that assertions be supported with published data and a methodology that allows both replication and review by others.
This is in contrast to believing in viewpoints based on the authority, education, or employment status of those espousing the view.
Responsible PhD Wildlife Professionals should know they need to back up proposed management actions with sound scientific data. Pushing major policy changes without sound scientific support diminishes their credibility. They would be on much more sound footing if they proposed to study the status of the stock with sound scientific methods and suggested delay of consideration of major policy changes until there was more data available.
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