Have scientific studies on harmful algal blooms (red tides) contributed to mitigate their impact on economy and human health? The case of Mexico

Resumen

ABSTRACT. In times of global interests about phenomena affecting life worldwide, a philosophical approach is needed to assess the certainty of the statements derived from their public understanding. Most scientific reports, oral or written, and projects on harmful algal blooms (HAB) refer to its socio-economic and health impacts, in order to primarily justify a given proposal. However, an explicit relationship between these issues has not been established. Thus, questioning such assumption is posted under a philosophical perspective to determine if the information generated in scientific studies has contribute to mitigate those alleged impacts. We tested the hypothesis (Ho) that no relation exists between scientific data and public policies that may result within those affectations. Our survey yielded few reports available on health and economic impacts overall, with no formal studies that calculate an amount in Mexican currency of a given economic consequence. Moreover, in the health sector, the magnitude of the alleged impact is uncertain, primarily because of the lack of information available to medical personnel to distinguish the symptoms of the HAB related intoxications from those of infectious diseases. Thus, notwithstanding the unquestionable relevance of scientific studies on HAB, their theoretical contributions have not directly mitigated those health and economic impacts, nor have established new management strategies for the contingencies. This supports the proposed hypothesis. It may be then considered timely to couple socioeconomic impact studies to ecological research on HABs in order to generate realistic data that will justify the investigation. Scientific research should emphasize on the generation of theory (ecological, ecophysiological, toxicological) instead of resorting to strident references on health and economic consequences.