Spider's artistic approach reshaping environmental policy
As the old saying goes: "A picture is worth a thousand behavior changes toward freshwater fishes."
Well, that's the saying when considering Dr. Eugene Maurakis' art pieces and scientific research.
An evolutionary biologist, Maurakis leads a study on nest-breeding freshwater fishes, an understudied ecological community. This research investigates the fishes' breeding behavior, the role of selfish herd theory in their ranks, and the related effects they have on their ecosystem.
The team's findings could have significant implications for freshwater bodies. Studying nest-building fishes provides the basis for environmental policy, and as an integral part of freshwater ecosystems, their presence can have ripple effects for all species who share their waters.
Equally noteworthy is how Maurakis and his team have chosen to present their findings: through the arts. "This project includes a diverse and interdisciplinary team of engineers and biologists," said Maurakis. "We will produce a natural history documentary grounded in science, yet interpreted with art, dance, animations, and music, so the general public has multiple ways of understanding science content."
Among the works within the documentary are Maurakis' paintings of the very fishes he studies. Maurakis believes that this integrated approach will make complex research results more interesting and easier to understand, further driving behavioral change.
"The arts are in the business of communicating," he said. "When scientists can collaborate with artists to communicate what the science is all about, it makes it more accessible to the general public."
With this research and artistic flair, Maurakis and his team aim to influence behavior change and environmental policy toward aquatic fauna in Virginia.
"Presenting science alone is less likely to result in long-term changes in feelings and behaviors," said Maurakis. "This publication and documentary project aims to create a more memorable and exciting experience that will resonate with the general public."