Applied Ecology Explained

Abstract

Applied ecology differs from other ecological subdisciplines in that it primarily involves the scholarship of application. Many questions asked by applied ecologists cannot be stated as a hypothesis, making the scientific method unsuitable for addressing them. Transdisciplinary scholarship is an approach that can be used to address these kinds of applied ecological questions, involving experts from STREAM disciplines (Science, Technology, Recreation, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), social sciences, humanities, community leaders, and stakeholders to solve real-world problems. Homo sapiens is the focal species in applied ecology. Peer-reviewed outcomes of applied ecology include scholarly publications, policy creation, establishment of protected areas, community-focused conservation efforts, and activities that improve ecosystem services. A transdisciplinary team addressed the applied ecological question “How can the negative effects of plastic microbeads be reduced or eliminated in aquatic ecosystems?” Unnatural plastic beads were sampled from a local stream, analyzed, and discussed with stakeholders and experts. After this information was aired on television, more stakeholders and policy-makers expressed concern, and pursued efforts to remove plastic microbeads from personal care products. Local efforts grew to a national concern, resulting in President Obama signing the Microbead Free Waters Act (H.R. 1321) on December 28, 2015.