Never has there been a more apparent need for information about our ocean resources. However, devising a means of collecting and interpreting data on such a dynamic environment is a daunting task. Recognizing the need for information, the Sloan Foundation has proposed the undertaking of a global “Census of Marine Life”—i.e., a global marine biodiversity Census, and has expended much effort to examine the different aspects of such a survey. The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) agreed to help the Sloan Foundation examine the environmental, conservation and advocacy dimensions of a Census of this nature. This paper represents a synopsis of our investigations.

Duval, M.A., and D.N. Rader. 1999. Environmental and advocacy implications of a proposed global “Census of the Fishes.” Oceanography 12(3):35–38, https://doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.1999.11.

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