Perspective Chapter: Visual Science Communication – Complexity to Comprehension of Marine Ecosystems

Abstract

In the realm of science communication, challenges occur in translating intricate concepts into easily digestible information. This paper delves into the pivotal role of visual presentations in this process, drawing from the psychology of image processing which posits that a picture can convey volumes of information more efficiently than the proverbial thousand words. We examine tools like cartoons, infographics, and other visual depictions in summarizing and synthesizing complex scenarios within marine ecosystem science. This paper offers a nuanced exploration of the power of visual science communication in bridging the gap between complexity and comprehension. Through illustrative examples, we juxtapose text with imagery, documenting the scientific message and the diverse reactions evoked. This paper recommends best practices to establish guidelines and recommendations for visual scientific communication.