Moore Foundation Marine Conservation Initiative grantee John Pappalardo, CEO of the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance, recently wrote an op-ed in the Cape Cod Times describing the ocean as "the blind men's elephant."
“When I think of the ocean I am reminded of the famous Indian parable: Six blind men attempt to imagine and describe an elephant by touch — the tusk, a stout leg, the flexible trunk, the fanlike ear and so on. They argue over what a monstrous thing it might be until a wise man points out that while each perspective has merit, until they share their views none will perceive the full picture.
Ocean planning is that wise perspective that perceives the full picture of the marine environment, and this winter, the Northeast Ocean Plan, the nation's first regional plan, has been formalized. Now we can begin to see and manage our ocean resources with a new, comprehensive understanding."
His piece goes on to explain the challenges and nuances of ocean planning, and the hope for improved management given the formalization of the Northeast Ocean Plan last month.
Read the full op-ed here: The ocean is like the blind men’s elephant.
Message sent
Thank you for sharing.