Obstinate nature. (22nd December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cury, Philippe
• Editors: Browman, Howard
• Is Part Of: ICES journal of marine science. Volume 76:Number 2(2019)
• Page Start: 384
• Page End: 391
• Publication Date: 2018-12-22
• Subjects: early career scientists -- ecosystem approach -- marine ecology -- patterns -- research strategy; Ocean -- Periodicals; Fisheries -- Periodicals; Fishes -- Periodicals; Marine biology -- Bibliography -- Periodicals; 551.4605
• DOI: 10.1093/icesjms/fsy188
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1054-3139

Abstract

Abstract: Resolving ecological patterns is challenging but fascinating as it generates new ways of looking at nature. I recapitulate here four independent scientific ideas that I developed throughout my career and that have contributed to a better understanding of the functioning of marine ecosystems. The optimal environmental window relating wind intensity and fish recruitment, the extended homing strategy developing an ecology of individuals, the wasp-waist control of marine ecosystems, and the bird-forage fish interaction are the four patterns that are presented. Communicating results to a large audience is not simply an added value of a scientific career but a responsibility for scientists when considering global emerging challenges. I encourage young scientists to communicate in an open and organized manner, as it will contribute to changing stakeholder's views and fisheries management. Love of science and ground-breaking ideas are key to scientific careers and creativity can be sustained in many ways throughout a scientist's career. I provide several tricks inspired by my personal experience that can help young scientists to stay innovative in the long run. Finally, I combine ecology and music, my two favourite topics, illustrating that an obstinate nature and an unexpected combination of unrelated ideas are key when dealing with research.