The role of science in the creation of endangered species law and policy: The case of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus)

Using the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris ) as a longitudinal case study, this qualitative research examines the role of science in the formation of United States endangered species policy through time. Grounded in the social science literature relating to science-policy studies, this research project accomplishes three major goals. First, it examines when and how scientific knowledge has been incorporated into policy for endangered species, the Florida manatee in particular. Second, it explores the role that scientists have played in creating policy related to Florida manatees. Finally, it identifies what, when, and why cultural, political and economic factors influenced the use of science in the process of policy formation and, to some degree, implementation. Discussion is also provided about how documenting and analyzing the process through which linkages are made between science and endangered species policy may be useful to social scientists, natural scientists, natural resource managers and policymakers.