Ecology and Assessment of Warmwater Streams: Workshop Synopsis,

Abstract : While both science and impact assessment rely on technical studies, they differ in fundamental goals, approach and scope, and final products. Research and management biologists come from similar educational backgrounds, share similar career interests, and have a high regard for biological knowledge. However, varied philosophy and interests emerge due to different work settings and responsibilities. Science is defined as systematized knowledge derived from observation, study, and experimentation carried on in order to determine the nature or principles of what is being studied. The basic approach to study is the scientific method: observation, hypothesis formation, hypothesis testing, deriving results, and interpreting findings relative to principle or theories. Impact assessment is the process of documenting the important consequences of proposed actions by (1) objective analyses of current and predicted conditions and (2) subjective evaluation of the significance of predicted changes. In contrast to the scientific method, the impact assessment method uses distinctly different steps: reviewing proposed actions, documenting baseline conditions, identifying possible impacts, predicting changes, documenting significant impacts, and formulating recommendations. The definitions and methods of both science and impact assessment reflect the fundamental differences between these endeavors.