Is it possible to fully grasp a changing, natural system? Two scientists from UW’s Aquatic and Fishery Sciences say it is not, and that important policy moves should not hinge on knowing every fact. Instead, Daniel Schindler and Ray Hilborn suggest conservation managers learn to make decisions and develop robust policies that will remain effective even in an uncertain future. The scientists assert that managing ecosystems and natural resources where uncertainty is present often requires that tough, but necessary decisions be made without every detail. Their perspective contrasts with a more traditional approach that proposes a better understanding of a particular system will produce more accurate predictions and lead to more informed decisions in the long term.