Abstract

(…) Kopps and Palsboll conclude by implying that conservation research should somehow be held to higher standards of rigor than more basic academic endeavors, because it has ‘direct impact on societal (mis)investments’. While we regard this as a dubious statement, we accept that our study is not the last word on population genetics in porpoises along the Dutch coast. However, given that obtaining samples is difficult and extension of this work not envisioned in the near future, we reasoned that publishing these data and pointing out – with appropriate caveats – patterns that it appears to show, is to be preferred over having it sit in a drawer and be forgotten. It is better to have an informed discussion than withhold data for fear of it being used unwisely. (…)