Code of Ethics
Preamble
This Code provides guiding principles of conduct for all members of the Ecological Sociely of America. Ecologists are faced with the vital and often conflicting tasks of resolving the needs of man and the needs of naturally functioning and managed ecosystems. The solution of complex ecological problems will require the help of persons from many walks of life. If ecology is to progress, it must include the pure scientists seeking new information, and the practitioner who applies that knowledge to solving practical problems. Of prime importance is the training of new ecologists, obtaining new information, applying the knowledge that we already have, and communicating with all segments of society. A Code of Ethics is essential to the continuation of an honorable and respected position for the Profession.
All Members of the Ecological Society of America
1. Will use their knowledge, skills and training when appropriate to find ways to harmonize man's needs, demands, and actions with the maintenance and enhancement of natural and managed ecosystems.
2. Will offer professional advice only on those subjects in which they are informed and qualified through professional training and experience.
3. Will not represent themselves as spokesmen for the Society without Council authority.
4. Will avoid, and discourage the dissemination of false, erroneous, biased, unwarranted, or exaggerated statements concerning ecology.
Professional Members of the Ecological Society of America
5. Will conduct their professional affairs in an ethical manner as prescribed in this Code, will endeavor to protect the ecological profession from misunderstanding and misrepresentation, and will cooperate with one another to assure the rapid interchange and dissemination of ecological knowledge.
6. Shall present, upon request, evidence of their qualifications, including professional training, publications, and experience, to any rightful petitioner.
7. In any communication, will give full and proper credit to, and will avoid misinterpretation of, the work and ideas of others.
8. Shall exercise utmost care in laboralory and field research to avoid
or minimize adverse environmental effects
resulting from their presence, activities, or equipment. They will sacrifice
only those organisms needed to obtain
data essential to their work.
9. Within reasonable limits of time and finance, will volunteer their special knowledge, skill, and training to the public for the benefit of mankind and the environment.
10. Will not discriminate against others on the basis of sex, creed, religion, race, color, national origin, economic status, cultural mores, or organizational affiliation.
11. Shall clearly differentiate facts, opinions, theories, hypotheses, and ideas; shall provide ethical leadership in accord with this Code and shall not mislead students concerning their limitations, training or abilities.
12. Will keep informed of advances in ecological knowledge and techniques, as well as in related aspects of science and society and will integrate stich knowledge and techniques into their professional activities including teaching,
13. Shall inform a prospective or current employer or client of any professional or personal interests which may impair the objectivity of their work, and provide their clients with access to the Provisions of this Code.
14. Shall respect any request for confidence expressed by their employers or clients, provided that such confidence will not contribute to unnecessary or significant degradation of the environment and does not jeopardize the health, safety, or welfare of the public. Should a conflict develop between such confidence and the safety of life of property of the public, members of the Society shall notify their employers or clients of the conflict in writing, and will be guided by their conscience in taking further action.
15. Shall not seek employment by unethical bidding, but shall expect the prospective employer or client to select Professional Ecologists on the basis of ability and experience. All salaries or fees and the extent and kinds of service to be rendered shall be described fully prior to employment.
16. Shall not use the security or resources of salaried academic, institutional, or govefnmenta! positions to compete unethically or unfairly with consulting ecologists in private practice.
17. Shall accept compensation for a particular service or report from one source only, except with the full knowledge and consent of all concerned parties.
18. Shall utilize, or will recommend that an employer, client, or grantor utilize the best available experts whenever such action is essential to solving an important problem
19. Shall report accurately, truthfully, fully, and clearly, to the limit of their abilities, the ecological and other information pertinent to a given project and will convey their findings objectively.
20. Will not associate with or allow the use of their names, reports, maps, or other technical materials by any enterprise known to be illegal, fraudulent, or questionable character, or contrary to the welfare of the public or the environment.
21. May advertise their services in a dignified and factual manner, but must avoid exaggeration, self praise, or undue conspicuousness.
22. Shall be obligated. when they have substantial evidence of a breach of this Code by another member to bring such conduct to the attention of the offender and to the Council.
23. Will neither seek employment, grants, or gain nor attempt to injure the reputation or opportunities for employment of another ecologist or scientist in a related profession by false, biased, or undocumented claims or accusations by any other malicious action, or by offers of gifts or favors
