Truth in the Tide: Responsible Reporting of Scientific Information

In a world flooded with headlines, tweets, and TikToks, how do we know what's true when it comes to science — especially science that affects our coastlines, climate, health, and future?

Here in the Mid West of Western Australia, our communities rely on accurate science communication. Whether it’s about offshore gas proposals, the decline of native species, or coral bleaching at the Abrolhos, how this information is reported can shape public opinion, local policy, and even investment.

So what does responsible journalism in science look like? And why should we — scientists, storytellers, and everyday citizens — care?

Why Scientific Reporting Matters

Science is a method, not a belief system. It’s the slow, rigorous process of asking questions, testing ideas, gathering evidence, and refining what we know.

But that process can be hard to explain in a headline. When scientific stories are simplified, sensationalised, or misquoted, the public gets misled — and trust erodes.

Case in point: In 2023, media coverage about "super kelp" being a miracle solution for carbon storage made headlines. The reality? Yes, kelp forests like those near Geraldton store carbon, but only under certain conditions and not at the scale those stories suggested. Overhyping the potential led to disappointment — and funding cuts.

The Science vs. the Spin

Responsible reporting balances three things:

1. Accuracy: Is the information fact-checked and based on peer-reviewed science or expert consensus?

2. Context: Are the findings placed in a broader ecological, social, or historical frame?

3. Clarity: Is the language accessible without dumbing down or distorting the science?

🔍 Let’s break it down:

Good Reporting	Poor Reporting
“A recent CSIRO study found microplastics in WA’s remote beaches, raising concerns about ocean currents and waste management.”	“WA beaches INFESTED with plastic! We’re all doomed.”
“Climate models predict more frequent marine heatwaves if emissions aren’t curbed.”	“It’s going to be hot forever now, scientists say.”

🌊 In the Midwest: Local Truths Matter

In our region, we’ve seen how misinformation can cloud big decisions. Take the gas extraction debate in the Perth Basin or the future of commercial fishing near the Abrolhos.

When media outlets cherry-pick science or only quote industry-funded research without peer review, the public is misled. And that can result in:

• Delays in conservation efforts,

• Distrust in scientists and government,

• Or worse — apathy.

Meanwhile, local citizen scientists, Traditional Custodians, and marine ecologists doing the real groundwork often go unheard.

Mark Twain, Author

What Responsible Science Reporting Looks Like

Whether you're a journalist, blogger, scientist, or community educator, here are some best practices:

✅ Ask These Questions:

• Who funded the study?

• Is the research peer-reviewed?

• Is the scientist being quoted actually an expert in that field?

• Are Indigenous perspectives or local voices included?

• Is the tone hopeful, balanced, and clear — or fear-based and sensational?

  
  

✅ Explain Uncertainty:

Science isn’t always certain — and that’s okay. A good report explains limitations and ongoing questions without dismissing the findings.

✅ Use Visuals Responsibly:

Infographics, maps, and diagrams are great — but they should be used with scale, clarity, and data source transparency. (A distorted scale can make trends look worse — or better — than they are.)

✅ Localise the Impact:

Connect the science to where people live. Don’t just say “climate change affects reefs.” Say, “Warming seas around the Abrolhos could wipe out 90% of the coral cover if emissions stay high — that means fewer crayfish, less tourism, and disrupted marine biodiversity right off our coast.”

For Readers: How You Can Spot Good (and Bad) Science News

• Check the source: Is it from a reputable publication or a blog with no author listed?

• Look for links to the original study: If they don’t show the science, question the spin.

• Beware of clickbait: If it sounds too wild to be true, it probably is.

• Follow diverse voices: Scientists, Indigenous land managers, ecologists, and local reporters all offer different angles.

  
  

  Research the sources, just like we do.

  
  

🧡 Midwest Eco Stories’ Promise

We believe in science that’s transparent, community-connected, and honest — not just because it’s right, but because our region’s future depends on it.

From sea urchin barrens to sustainable farming, we’re committed to reporting environmental stories that:

• Are backed by evidence,

• Include local perspectives, and

• Inspire action.

  
  

📚 Further Reading and Resources

• The Conversation – Australia: https://theconversation.com/au

• Science Media Centre Australia: https://www.smc.org.au

• Australian Centre for Climate Restoration: https://www.climaterepair.org

• FactCheck by RMIT ABC: https://www.abc.net.au/news/factcheck/