Tweets,

A perspective from another area of biology might be useful.

In the study of marine mammals, there are extensive regulations on field
biologists to prevent these very type of conflicts between researchers and
wildlife viewers.

If a field biologist wishes to enguage in intrusive research (attach tags,
take tissue samples, or even obtain photographs) we are required to specify
to the federal government:

the location we will be working
the number of animals to be manipulated
the time frame when the manipulations will occur
who will be working with us on the project with us

In addition, we must provide a detailed proposal of our studies objective,
and conduct a review of our study animals abundance, distribution, and
status. We also must provide a lenghty description of how our work will
benefit the species that were are studying. This proposal is first
published in the federal register, then goes out for peer reviewed, and is
subject to a public comment period befor a permit is issued. On my permit
it clearly states that "all activities must be conducted out of the public
view". It is a fundimentailly basic that you do not engage in intrusive
research activities when there others around wishing to passively view
wildlife.

It can be very frustrating at times, but in the long run, it maintains
positive public attitudes about research. Perhaps equally importantly,
bird &whale researchers frequenlty rely on interested laypersons for
sighting information. If researchers are precieved to behave
inappropriately we can jepordize our sighting networks, and even have our
permits revoked.


Fred Sharpe
Simon Fraser University