We asked each of our scientists to give us their thoughts on their professions and what they think the future holds for humanity.

What would you recommend for students wanting to pursue a similar career?
I encourage students to pursue careers at the interface between science and policy. I recommend a strong background in science (at the Master's or PhD levels). Training in science provides a strong background for communication with scientists who gather the information needed to advance environmental policy. A general background in policy is useful to navigate the maze of environmental policies and laws. In addition, I recommend courses in communication and media. Strong communication skills are needed to share science with non-scientific audiences. Taking an internship with relevant agencies and/or non-governmental organizations is a powerful strategy to launch a career in science and policy.

What do you like best about your profession?
I enjoy working with a diverse group of people, including scientists, policy makers, fishers and political activists. One of the most exciting aspects of working as a liaison between scientists and policy-makers is to see legislation, based on strong science, implemented to protect, restore and manage ecosystems.

What makes you most fearful for the future?
Scientists have documented some major changes in the global climate and oceanographic patterns. Ice caps are melting rapidly, oceans are warming and the incidence of low oxygen zones and harmful algal blooms in coastal oceans are increasing. These environmental shifts are causing major changes in the survival, distribution and reproductive success of the creatures that depend on ocean ecosystems. In addition to the environmental shifts, intensive overfishing has caused the decline of 90% of the targeted populations in the world's oceans. I am fearful that these environmental shifts and human activities are likely to cause massive extinctions. I am fearful that our environmental policies cannot effectively slow or reverse these declines rapidly enough to prevent massive extinctions.

What makes you most hopeful for the future?
Many different kinds of people share the same vision of sustainable use of natural resources. This is what makes me most hopeful for the future.