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Communication, Engagement and Action for our Seas – a UK synopsis
Dr Tavis PottsScottish Association for Marine Science
ContentsPerspectives on our relationship
to the seaRecent research on social trends Science into policy Emerging issues in marine social
research
(c) Wolcott Henry 2005/Marine Photobank
. Marine Photobank.
Mohammad Rakibul Hasan/Marine Photobank.
Our relationship to the coast and sea is complex – its spans individual experience to collective action.
Communication is the ‘transition of information’ and aims to improve engagement & pro-environmental behaviour. It is an ongoing process - not an end point.
The relationship between communication and social change is not straight forward.
We must also reflect on the nature of society, decision making and power.
InformationMarine science?
Communication- Social media- Press- Broadcasting- Journals
ValuesPerceptio
ns
Collective action?
ResourcesSocietal constraintsCultureEducationIssues?
Policy and
politics
The Deficit Model
The assumption that good science translates directly into good policy is flawed.
Identify Problem
Do science, obtain results
Improved Policy
1. Abundance of information for decisions2. Science is ambiguous – uncertainty & variability3. There is not sufficient public support for solutions4. Policy has to be formulated for a variety of issues and interests5. Cost of options is a key factor6. Varying timescales for ecologists and policy makers 7. Trapped between the options from science and other interest
groups
How concerned, if at all, are you about each of the following issues? Please use a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 means you are not at all concerned and 5 means you are very concerned. (N=7000: UK, Pol, It, Sp, Ger, Fra, Por).
2011 data: Differences between EU countries on climate & oceans
How are the issues perceived in the UK?
Do we have problems with the communication of marine science?
When it comes to managing and protecting the ocean environment, how competent do you think are each of the following? (UK 2013 net competent 4-5)
Key points from the survey
• While people recognise the importance of the seas, there is a disconnect between our immediate welfare and what nature provides.
• It is important to keep communicating and building understanding over the concept of ecosystem services
• Science needs to ask itself – is it communicating effectively?
• What forms of communication work effectively for different issues and demographics?
• Are we seeing younger generations becoming more concerned?
• Strong demand for civil engagement in governance.
Figure 2. Illustration of the cascade model framed within the natural and socio-economic context.
Liquete C, Piroddi C, Drakou EG, Gurney L, et al. (2013) Current Status and Future Prospects for the Assessment of Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Services: A Systematic Review. PLoS ONE 8(7): e67737. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0067737http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0067737
tourism
Sense of place
recreationSea
defence
CO2 sequestrati
on
Waste absorption
Cultural heritage
food
LanduseTourismOil &Gas
Coastal DefencePorts & NavigationMilitary ActivitiesCultureConservationDredging & DisposalSubmarine Cables
Fishing Renewable Energy
Marine Recreation
Mineral Extraction
Mariculture
MSP and the Irish Sea – 1000 cuts?
Communication is important for driving change. It needs to be:• Constant and consistent• Creative and innovative • Targeted and tactical
• Communication should facilitate action• More communication does not
guarantee outcomes – understand (and work) the system• Communicating how we connect to
the sea will be critical to catalyse action.
