Abstract:
On August 3 - 4, 1989, the Marine Policy Center of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution hosted the initial meeting of the
Marine Biological Diversity Working Group. The formation of this working group was fostered as part of an ongoing program of
research concerning the oceans and biological diversity. Participants in the working group included professionals from the fields of
biology, ecology, economics, statistics, law, environmental management, and international assistance, all of whom have expressed
an interest in issues surrounding the conservation of marine biological resources. The proposed goals of the working group are to
initiate an ongoing interdisciplinary dialogue on the topic, to establish a mechanism for two-way transfer of theory and empirical
results between natural and social science, and to serve as a resource for policymakers by providing authoritative and timely
information on important issues. This report contains information about the working group and the motivations for its formation, a
description of the format of the initial meeting, key points from each of the sessions, abstracts of research/issue briefings delivered at
the meeting by participants, selected excerpts from group discussions, and an amended version of a draft working group statement
that was introduced to the group for purpose of discussion. The appendices contain the agenda of the meeting, a list of the names
and addresses of working group participants, and a list of key questions and issues submitt before the meeting by the working
group.
