Flaxen Conway

Figuring Out the Human Dimensions of Fisheries: Illuminating Models

Abstract Both natural scientists and economists commonly use quantitative data to create models of the systems that interest them and then use these models to inform fisheries management. Other social scientists rely on lengthier, descriptive texts based primarily on qualitative data to assess the human dimensions. To their dismay, fisheries social scientists find that much of their rich narrative with keen insights ends up filling pages that are neither read nor meaningfully integrated into decision-making in fisheries management. Nevertheless, what all scientists, practitioners, and managers want and need is information that will lead to a better understanding of the ecosystem (comprised of interdependent ecological and human systems) and therefore to fisheries management that benefits the whole system. Based on the belief that only a combination of high-quality quantitative and qualitative data will provide both the numbers and the context needed for success in ecosystem-based management, we discuss efforts to present social and cultural information in forms that are more familiar to those who rely on models for a representation of reality in the fisheries context. We point out how the designers of these models (or how we) think the models might be applied to fisheries management, noting how each model attempts to incorporate qualitative data to depict context essential for grounding the more commonly used biological and economic models. We also assess the benefits and limitations of these models, including the constraints on their development and use.

Changing Communication and Roles: Innovations in Oregon's Fishing Families, Communities, and Management

Abstract Fisheries throughout the United States are undergoing dramatic change. Oregon Sea Grants Adapting to Change project documented how fishing families, communities, and the commercial fishing industry are adjusting to these changes. Using interviews, focus groups, surveys, and educational outreach programs with members of the trawl and troll fleets, we examined how changes in communication and roles among fishing families, communities, and fisheries management may combine to produce desirable innovations at these three levels. With womens increasing involvement in fisheries management and the emergence of industry-wide support networks, decisions are being made in different ways among fishing families and communities, as well as at the management level. Our research found that changing the lines of communication alone, however, does not guarantee that innovation will occur. The article concludes with highlights of positive changes brought on by flexible roles and increased communication, while not...

Environmental and Human Dimensions of Ocean Renewable Energy Development

A number of review articles have synthesized current expert opinion regarding interactions of ocean energy generation technologies with environmental parameters and their potential effects and impacts. Fewer articles have documented such interactions, as operational devices and or demonstration sites at which to make such observations are limited. In this paper, we discuss how the perceived risk or impact of ocean renewable energy development on coastal communities (both the human and marine biological communities) is a function not only of actual physical interactions but also depends on the regulatory environment and how potentially impacted coastal resources are valued by stakeholders. In this paper, we review potential environmental effects of ocean energy, identify applicable federal regulations that address potentially affected ecological components, and highlight observations about stakeholder concerns from experiences in Oregon. Understanding the societal lens through which potential environmental effects are viewed is important for developers to move forward as it will be the regulators and local communities who will determine if projects are permitted.

socioeconomic Lessons Learned from the response to the Federally-Declared West Coast Groundfish Disaster

Abstract Congress responded to the 2000 West Coast groundfish disaster by allocating

Communicating and interacting with oregon's coastal marine recreational fishing Community

5 million in disaster relief for Oregon, Washington, and California. Each state designed and executed its own disaster response program to help impacted members of the fishing industry and coastal communities to cope with the downturn. While the federal goals for the funding were identical, each state created different relief programs. Oregon focused on helping individual members of the fishing community to access social services. Washington focused on economic development of coastal towns. California focused on payments to impacted individuals and cooperative fisheries research. While federal responses to fisheries disasters cost the government millions of dollars each year, they are rarely researched and poorly understood. The goal of this project was to document responses to the disaster (focusing on Oregon), explore useful comparisons, and extract possible lessons learned. Results indicate that people working in the ...

Establishing an agenda for social studies research in marine renewable energy

Abstract As marine fishery resources in Oregon decline and demand by user groups increases, coastal fishing communities face more and more regulations. This leads to increased interaction between management agencies and user groups, frequently occurring through formal public involvement methods and informal interactions. Communication is at the core of these interactions. Effective two-way communication results in mutual understanding and a positive outcome for all parties involved. This small pilot study explored the current state of communication within and between Oregons coastal marine recreational community and the fisheries management community. The primary objectives were to understand the methods of communication used within and between these communities, to describe the current state of communication between them, and to identify suggestions for improving communication. This article focuses on identified factors which affect communication between these communities, potential improvements to curr...