The turbulent boundary between water science and water management

Abstract

SUMMARY. 1. It is common to observe friction between limnologists and the managers of water resources. This is often a result of misunderstandings about the cultures within which each works. 2. There are a number of ways that science can contribute to effective management of water resources, but limnologists must appreciate that there are value questions which are not the sole prerogative of science to answer. 3. Managers often misunderstand science and expect it to deliver a truth that is non‐arguable. They fail to understand the very process of science demands no such truths, so that assumptions, methods and conclusions can always be challenged. 4. One way to bridge this boundary is to develop the scientific broking role. Another is to do better and more relevant science. Ways of doing both are discussed.