Science Arbitration

Science arbitration is a process for evaluating and synthesizing relevant science for decision-makers. Typically, a panel of scientists with relevant expertise, but no direct investment in the policy decision in question, is assembled to do these evaluations. Science arbitration is the mission of the National Research Council, an organization associated with the National Academies. Dr. Walters serves on a National Research Council panel that evaluates progress with the ongoing restoration of the Everglades and associated scientific issues. This panel provides a report to Congress every two years. Read the latest report here.

Dr. Walters has also served on panels focused specifically on management of endangered birds in the Everglades and the impact of the restoration thereon, including chairing a panel assembled by the American Ornithological Society that evaluated the impact of water management on the endangered Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow and serving on two panels assembled by the Sustainable Ecosystems Institute that evaluated the restoration needs of four species of conservation concern, the Sparrow, Snail Kite, Wood Stork and Roseate Spoonbill.

Relevant Publications:

Walters, J. R., S. R. Beissinger, J. W. Fitzpatrick, R. Greenberg, J. D. Nichols, H. R. Pulliam and D. W. Winkler. 2000. The AOU Conservation Committee review of the biology, status, and management of Cape Sable Seaside Sparrows: Final report. Auk 117:1093-1115.

Dr. Walters chaired a blue ribbon panel, assembled by the American Ornithological Society and sponsored by Audubon California, that reviewed the California Condor recovery program in 2007-2008. The decision associated with this project was what investments in further research were most likely to result in progress toward recovery of the species, based on an assessment of which biological factors were likely limiting the success of the species' recovery program. Among its many findings, the panel concluded that the success of the recovery program was limited primarily by chronic lead poisoning of birds released into the wild, and that lead ammunition in carcasses fed on by condors was responsible for this poisoning. These were controversial issues at the time. The panel issued a report in 2008, and published its findings in, appropriately, The Condor (now known as Ornithological Applications) in 2010.

Relevant Publications:

Walters, J. R., S. R. Derrickson, D. M. Fry, S. M. Haig, J. M. Marzluff and J. M. Wunderle, Jr. 2010. Status of the California Condor and efforts to achieve its recovery. Auk 127:969-1001.

Dr. Walters chaired a panel assembled by the American Ornithological Society and sponsored by the National Park Service that evaluated available science relevant to management of beach-nesting birds and sea turtles at Cape Hatteras National Seashore in 2016-2018. The decision associated with this project was whether controversial, seasonal closures of beach areas to vehicle and pedestrian traffic to protect nesting birds and turtles was justified by positive impacts on protected species. The panel assessed the various factors affecting populations of beach-nesting species and concluded that for some species beach closures likely were necessary, but not sufficient, to enable the level of productivity necessary to maintain populations. The panel issued a report on its findings in 2020. Read the report here.