Abstract This paper examines ‘the governance gap’ regarding the operationalization of integrated ... more Abstract This paper examines ‘the governance gap’ regarding the operationalization of integrated coastal and marine management (ICM). ICM offers a holistic and strategic governance arrangement employed worldwide to help move beyond conventional sector-based approaches to contribute to the sustainability of complex and dynamic social-ecological systems. The context within which we investigate this gap is the Bay of Fundy, Atlantic Canada where a diversity of habitats and activities (e.g., eelgrass beds, mudflats, and estuaries) exist, along with a rich cultural attachment of coastal communities to marine resources. In-person, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 68 individuals across multiple sectors and scales with experience and interest in past or future integrative management interventions, or initiatives, in the Bay of Fundy. Participants identified 60 initiatives that they felt were integrative. However, our results indicate that few initiatives have been operationalized due to a ‘business as usual’ mentality. Five critical challenges were identified relating to: capacity to sustain initiatives; commitment from legal authorities; engagement of diverse actor groups; vertical integration of policies; and, informal structures that facilitate horizontal integration. These results shape how scholars, practitioners, and managers consider ICM as a governance approach. Understanding the governance dimensions of ICM will allow for initiatives to be operationalized more successfully.
I testify that I am the primary author of the manuscripts in my dissertation, and that the work w... more I testify that I am the primary author of the manuscripts in my dissertation, and that the work was dominated by my intellectual efforts. Sondra Eger (Student) I testify that Sondra Eger is the primary author of the manuscripts in this dissertation, that the work was dominated by her intellectual efforts, and that I have met the four tests outlined above.
I testify that I am the primary author of the manuscripts in my dissertation, and that the work w... more I testify that I am the primary author of the manuscripts in my dissertation, and that the work was dominated by my intellectual efforts. Sondra Eger (Student) I testify that Sondra Eger is the primary author of the manuscripts in this dissertation, that the work was dominated by her intellectual efforts, and that I have met the four tests outlined above.
Abstract Integrated coastal and marine management (ICM) holds considerable promise for addressing... more Abstract Integrated coastal and marine management (ICM) holds considerable promise for addressing gaps in conventional sector-based approaches to the management of coastal and marine areas. Progress in operationalizing ICM has been hindered by a lack of appropriate governance arrangements (e.g., mechanisms for making collective decisions about the use and management of coastal systems). This paper develops a framework for analyzing ICM governance based upon a preliminary scoping review, and uses the framework to conduct a structured systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature on ICM between 2010 and 2019 (n = 69). Results suggest that coastal stakeholders have struggled to fully operationalize ICM across many contexts, and that certain characteristics appear to enhance prospects for operationalizing ICM. These include formal governance structures, engagement with diverse actors and innovative mechanisms for coordination and cooperation among multi-actor groups. The paper concludes by revising the ICM framework, based upon the relative importance of topics discussed in the literature, with particular attention to monitoring, evaluation and adaptation stages. The resulting Elements and Characteristics of ICM framework summarizes the state of the field while providing a practical resource for planning and management.
International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology, 2018
Increasingly, large-scale conservation initiatives (e.g. through protected area networks and tran... more Increasingly, large-scale conservation initiatives (e.g. through protected area networks and transboundary connectivity initiatives) are growing in prevalence as their diverse sustainability benefits are further understood. Conventional, centralized approaches to conservation, often featuring unconnected discrete 'patches', are no longer sufficient for achieving effective, long-term protection. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of how to achieve effective large-scale conservation initiatives by addressing the following objectives: (1) To assess the degree to which local actors are involved in coastal and marine conservation practices, with a focus on large-scale conservation initiatives (LCIs); and, (2) To identify barriers and opportunities for achieving effective large-scale conservation. This paper presents findings from research in the Dominican Republic where social-ecological components of coastal and marine systems are considered from multiple perspectives to advance management and increase effectiveness of LCIs. Data were acquired through semi-structured interviews with 35 coastal and marine actors (e.g. fishers, ministers, non-governmental organizations, practitioners, academics) working at local to international scales. Interview data were analysed through thematic coding using QSR-Nvivo 12 software. Respondents expressed that non-governmental actors (e.g. private organizations, coastal communities) should have an increased role in developing, implementing and managing coastal and marine LCIs. Additionally, respondents commented on strategies to enhance social connectivity (i.e. sharing experiences, programs and expertise) within coastal and marine practices to enhance effectiveness and facilitate learning. Findings contribute to the understanding of complex coastal and marine social-ecological systems of the Dominican Republic and provide further support for involving multiple actors in governance processes.
Access, defined as the ability to use and benefit from available marine resources or areas of the... more Access, defined as the ability to use and benefit from available marine resources or areas of the ocean or coast, is important for the well-being and sustainability of coastal communities. In Canada, access to marine resources and ocean spaces is a significant issue for many coastal and Indigenous communities due to intensifying activity and competition in the marine environment. The general trend of loss of access has implications for these communities, and for Canadian society. In this review and policy perspective, we argue that access for coastal and Indigenous communities should be a priority consideration in all policies and decision-making processes related to fisheries and the ocean in Canada. This paper reviews how access affects the well-being of coastal communities, factors that support or undermine access, and research priorities to inform policy. Recommended actions include: ensuring access is transparently considered in all ocean-related decisions; supporting research to fill knowledge gaps on access to enable effective responses; making data accessible and including communities in decision-making that grants or restricts access to adjacent marine resources and spaces; ensuring updated laws, policies and planning processes explicitly incorporate access considerations; and, identifying and prioritizing actions to maintain and increase access. Taking action now could reverse the current trend and ensure that coastal and Indigenous communities thrive in the future. This is not just a Canadian issue. Globally, the ability of
The immense challenges associated with realizing ocean and coastal sustainability require highly ... more The immense challenges associated with realizing ocean and coastal sustainability require highly skilled interdisciplinary marine scientists. However, the barriers experienced by early career researchers (ECRs) seeking to address these challenges, and the support required to overcome those barriers, are not well understood. This study examines the perspectives of ECRs on opportunities to build interdisciplinary research capacity in marine science. We engaged 23 current and former graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in a policy Delphi method with three rounds of surveying that included semi-structured questionnaires and q-methodology. We identified the following five barriers that limit ECRs’ capacity for interdisciplinary research: (i) demanding workloads; (ii) stress linked to funding, publishing, and employment uncertainty; (iii) limited support for balancing personal and professional commitments; (iv) ineffective supervisory support; and (v) the steep learning curve associ...
This paper examines ‘the governance gap’ regarding the operationalization of integrated coastal a... more This paper examines ‘the governance gap’ regarding the operationalization of integrated coastal and marine management (ICM). ICM offers a holistic and strategic governance arrangement employed worldwide to help move beyond conventional sector-based approaches to contribute to the sustainability of complex and dynamic social-ecological systems. The context within which we investigate this gap is the Bay of Fundy, Atlantic Canada where a diversity of habitats and activities (e.g., eelgrass beds, mudflats, and estuaries) exist, along with a rich cultural attachment of coastal communities to marine resources. In-person, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 68 individuals across multiple sectors and scales with experience and interest in past or future integrative management interventions, or initiatives, in the Bay of Fundy. Participants identified 60 initiatives that they felt were integrative. However, our results indicate that few initiatives have been operationalized due...
Limited progress has been made in implementing integrated coastal and marine management (ICM) pol... more Limited progress has been made in implementing integrated coastal and marine management (ICM) policies globally. A renewed commitment to ICM in Canada offers an opportunity to implement lessons from previous efforts over the past 20 years. This study applies three core ICM characteristics identified from the literature (formal structures; meaningful inclusion; and, innovative mechanisms) to identify opportunities for operationalizing ICM from participants’ lived experiences in Atlantic Canada. These characteristics are employed to assess and compare ICM initiatives across two case studies in the Upper Bay and the Lower Bay of Fundy. The assessments are based on semi-structured interviews conducted with key participants and a supplementary document analysis. The following insights for future ICM policies were identified: adaptive formal structures are required for avoiding previous mistakes; a spectrum of approaches will support meaningful engagement in ICM; local capacity is needed ...
Access, defined as the ability to use and benefit from available marine resources or areas of the... more Access, defined as the ability to use and benefit from available marine resources or areas of the ocean or coast, is important for the well-being and sustainability of coastal communities. In Canada, access to marine resources and ocean spaces is a significant issue for many coastal and Indigenous communities due to intensifying activity and competition in the marine environment. The general trend of loss of access has implications for these communities, and for Canadian society. In this review and policy perspective, we argue that access for coastal and Indigenous communities should be a priority consideration in all policies and decision-making processes related to fisheries and the ocean in Canada. This paper reviews how access affects the well-being of coastal communities, factors that support or undermine access, and research priorities to inform policy. Recommended actions include: ensuring access is transparently considered in all ocean-related decisions; supporting research to fill knowledge gaps on access to enable effective responses; making data accessible and including communities in decision-making that grants or restricts access to adjacent marine resources and spaces; ensuring updated laws, policies and planning processes explicitly incorporate access considerations; and, identifying and prioritizing actions to maintain and increase access. Taking action now could reverse the current trend and ensure that coastal and Indigenous communities thrive in the future. This is not just a Canadian issue. Globally, the ability of coastal and Indigenous communities to access and benefit from the marine environment should be at the forefront in all deliberations related to the oceans.
This study was completed in response to recommendations offered to the Muskoka Watershed Council ... more This study was completed in response to recommendations offered to the Muskoka Watershed Council (MWC) as a result of prior research in the region of Muskoka, Ontario, Canada. The purpose of this preliminary study was twofold: first, to assess the region’s existing Watershed Report Card monitoring and reporting program, and second, to explore opportunities for addressing climate change in the Muskoka River Watershed region.
Three main results emerged from this study. 1. Data reported in Watershed Report Cards are inconsistent from one year to the next, resulting in an inability to infer long-term trends or a coherent storyline. This is consistent with challenge faced other regions in Ontario and elsewhere (Conservation Ontario, 2005; Canadian Water Network, 2016). 2. With a high turnover of often independent researchers, duplication of research efforts occurs. A metadata repository should be implemented so as to better track research activities, ensure information is accessible as individuals come and go, and to make the data available to decision makers and the public. 3. Stakeholder engagement is inadequate throughout the process – from the selection of monitoring indicators through to the dissemination of information.
Abstract This paper examines ‘the governance gap’ regarding the operationalization of integrated ... more Abstract This paper examines ‘the governance gap’ regarding the operationalization of integrated coastal and marine management (ICM). ICM offers a holistic and strategic governance arrangement employed worldwide to help move beyond conventional sector-based approaches to contribute to the sustainability of complex and dynamic social-ecological systems. The context within which we investigate this gap is the Bay of Fundy, Atlantic Canada where a diversity of habitats and activities (e.g., eelgrass beds, mudflats, and estuaries) exist, along with a rich cultural attachment of coastal communities to marine resources. In-person, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 68 individuals across multiple sectors and scales with experience and interest in past or future integrative management interventions, or initiatives, in the Bay of Fundy. Participants identified 60 initiatives that they felt were integrative. However, our results indicate that few initiatives have been operationalized due to a ‘business as usual’ mentality. Five critical challenges were identified relating to: capacity to sustain initiatives; commitment from legal authorities; engagement of diverse actor groups; vertical integration of policies; and, informal structures that facilitate horizontal integration. These results shape how scholars, practitioners, and managers consider ICM as a governance approach. Understanding the governance dimensions of ICM will allow for initiatives to be operationalized more successfully.
I testify that I am the primary author of the manuscripts in my dissertation, and that the work w... more I testify that I am the primary author of the manuscripts in my dissertation, and that the work was dominated by my intellectual efforts. Sondra Eger (Student) I testify that Sondra Eger is the primary author of the manuscripts in this dissertation, that the work was dominated by her intellectual efforts, and that I have met the four tests outlined above.
I testify that I am the primary author of the manuscripts in my dissertation, and that the work w... more I testify that I am the primary author of the manuscripts in my dissertation, and that the work was dominated by my intellectual efforts. Sondra Eger (Student) I testify that Sondra Eger is the primary author of the manuscripts in this dissertation, that the work was dominated by her intellectual efforts, and that I have met the four tests outlined above.
Abstract Integrated coastal and marine management (ICM) holds considerable promise for addressing... more Abstract Integrated coastal and marine management (ICM) holds considerable promise for addressing gaps in conventional sector-based approaches to the management of coastal and marine areas. Progress in operationalizing ICM has been hindered by a lack of appropriate governance arrangements (e.g., mechanisms for making collective decisions about the use and management of coastal systems). This paper develops a framework for analyzing ICM governance based upon a preliminary scoping review, and uses the framework to conduct a structured systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature on ICM between 2010 and 2019 (n = 69). Results suggest that coastal stakeholders have struggled to fully operationalize ICM across many contexts, and that certain characteristics appear to enhance prospects for operationalizing ICM. These include formal governance structures, engagement with diverse actors and innovative mechanisms for coordination and cooperation among multi-actor groups. The paper concludes by revising the ICM framework, based upon the relative importance of topics discussed in the literature, with particular attention to monitoring, evaluation and adaptation stages. The resulting Elements and Characteristics of ICM framework summarizes the state of the field while providing a practical resource for planning and management.
International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology, 2018
Increasingly, large-scale conservation initiatives (e.g. through protected area networks and tran... more Increasingly, large-scale conservation initiatives (e.g. through protected area networks and transboundary connectivity initiatives) are growing in prevalence as their diverse sustainability benefits are further understood. Conventional, centralized approaches to conservation, often featuring unconnected discrete 'patches', are no longer sufficient for achieving effective, long-term protection. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of how to achieve effective large-scale conservation initiatives by addressing the following objectives: (1) To assess the degree to which local actors are involved in coastal and marine conservation practices, with a focus on large-scale conservation initiatives (LCIs); and, (2) To identify barriers and opportunities for achieving effective large-scale conservation. This paper presents findings from research in the Dominican Republic where social-ecological components of coastal and marine systems are considered from multiple perspectives to advance management and increase effectiveness of LCIs. Data were acquired through semi-structured interviews with 35 coastal and marine actors (e.g. fishers, ministers, non-governmental organizations, practitioners, academics) working at local to international scales. Interview data were analysed through thematic coding using QSR-Nvivo 12 software. Respondents expressed that non-governmental actors (e.g. private organizations, coastal communities) should have an increased role in developing, implementing and managing coastal and marine LCIs. Additionally, respondents commented on strategies to enhance social connectivity (i.e. sharing experiences, programs and expertise) within coastal and marine practices to enhance effectiveness and facilitate learning. Findings contribute to the understanding of complex coastal and marine social-ecological systems of the Dominican Republic and provide further support for involving multiple actors in governance processes.
Access, defined as the ability to use and benefit from available marine resources or areas of the... more Access, defined as the ability to use and benefit from available marine resources or areas of the ocean or coast, is important for the well-being and sustainability of coastal communities. In Canada, access to marine resources and ocean spaces is a significant issue for many coastal and Indigenous communities due to intensifying activity and competition in the marine environment. The general trend of loss of access has implications for these communities, and for Canadian society. In this review and policy perspective, we argue that access for coastal and Indigenous communities should be a priority consideration in all policies and decision-making processes related to fisheries and the ocean in Canada. This paper reviews how access affects the well-being of coastal communities, factors that support or undermine access, and research priorities to inform policy. Recommended actions include: ensuring access is transparently considered in all ocean-related decisions; supporting research to fill knowledge gaps on access to enable effective responses; making data accessible and including communities in decision-making that grants or restricts access to adjacent marine resources and spaces; ensuring updated laws, policies and planning processes explicitly incorporate access considerations; and, identifying and prioritizing actions to maintain and increase access. Taking action now could reverse the current trend and ensure that coastal and Indigenous communities thrive in the future. This is not just a Canadian issue. Globally, the ability of
The immense challenges associated with realizing ocean and coastal sustainability require highly ... more The immense challenges associated with realizing ocean and coastal sustainability require highly skilled interdisciplinary marine scientists. However, the barriers experienced by early career researchers (ECRs) seeking to address these challenges, and the support required to overcome those barriers, are not well understood. This study examines the perspectives of ECRs on opportunities to build interdisciplinary research capacity in marine science. We engaged 23 current and former graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in a policy Delphi method with three rounds of surveying that included semi-structured questionnaires and q-methodology. We identified the following five barriers that limit ECRs’ capacity for interdisciplinary research: (i) demanding workloads; (ii) stress linked to funding, publishing, and employment uncertainty; (iii) limited support for balancing personal and professional commitments; (iv) ineffective supervisory support; and (v) the steep learning curve associ...
This paper examines ‘the governance gap’ regarding the operationalization of integrated coastal a... more This paper examines ‘the governance gap’ regarding the operationalization of integrated coastal and marine management (ICM). ICM offers a holistic and strategic governance arrangement employed worldwide to help move beyond conventional sector-based approaches to contribute to the sustainability of complex and dynamic social-ecological systems. The context within which we investigate this gap is the Bay of Fundy, Atlantic Canada where a diversity of habitats and activities (e.g., eelgrass beds, mudflats, and estuaries) exist, along with a rich cultural attachment of coastal communities to marine resources. In-person, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 68 individuals across multiple sectors and scales with experience and interest in past or future integrative management interventions, or initiatives, in the Bay of Fundy. Participants identified 60 initiatives that they felt were integrative. However, our results indicate that few initiatives have been operationalized due...
Limited progress has been made in implementing integrated coastal and marine management (ICM) pol... more Limited progress has been made in implementing integrated coastal and marine management (ICM) policies globally. A renewed commitment to ICM in Canada offers an opportunity to implement lessons from previous efforts over the past 20 years. This study applies three core ICM characteristics identified from the literature (formal structures; meaningful inclusion; and, innovative mechanisms) to identify opportunities for operationalizing ICM from participants’ lived experiences in Atlantic Canada. These characteristics are employed to assess and compare ICM initiatives across two case studies in the Upper Bay and the Lower Bay of Fundy. The assessments are based on semi-structured interviews conducted with key participants and a supplementary document analysis. The following insights for future ICM policies were identified: adaptive formal structures are required for avoiding previous mistakes; a spectrum of approaches will support meaningful engagement in ICM; local capacity is needed ...
Access, defined as the ability to use and benefit from available marine resources or areas of the... more Access, defined as the ability to use and benefit from available marine resources or areas of the ocean or coast, is important for the well-being and sustainability of coastal communities. In Canada, access to marine resources and ocean spaces is a significant issue for many coastal and Indigenous communities due to intensifying activity and competition in the marine environment. The general trend of loss of access has implications for these communities, and for Canadian society. In this review and policy perspective, we argue that access for coastal and Indigenous communities should be a priority consideration in all policies and decision-making processes related to fisheries and the ocean in Canada. This paper reviews how access affects the well-being of coastal communities, factors that support or undermine access, and research priorities to inform policy. Recommended actions include: ensuring access is transparently considered in all ocean-related decisions; supporting research to fill knowledge gaps on access to enable effective responses; making data accessible and including communities in decision-making that grants or restricts access to adjacent marine resources and spaces; ensuring updated laws, policies and planning processes explicitly incorporate access considerations; and, identifying and prioritizing actions to maintain and increase access. Taking action now could reverse the current trend and ensure that coastal and Indigenous communities thrive in the future. This is not just a Canadian issue. Globally, the ability of coastal and Indigenous communities to access and benefit from the marine environment should be at the forefront in all deliberations related to the oceans.
This study was completed in response to recommendations offered to the Muskoka Watershed Council ... more This study was completed in response to recommendations offered to the Muskoka Watershed Council (MWC) as a result of prior research in the region of Muskoka, Ontario, Canada. The purpose of this preliminary study was twofold: first, to assess the region’s existing Watershed Report Card monitoring and reporting program, and second, to explore opportunities for addressing climate change in the Muskoka River Watershed region.
Three main results emerged from this study. 1. Data reported in Watershed Report Cards are inconsistent from one year to the next, resulting in an inability to infer long-term trends or a coherent storyline. This is consistent with challenge faced other regions in Ontario and elsewhere (Conservation Ontario, 2005; Canadian Water Network, 2016). 2. With a high turnover of often independent researchers, duplication of research efforts occurs. A metadata repository should be implemented so as to better track research activities, ensure information is accessible as individuals come and go, and to make the data available to decision makers and the public. 3. Stakeholder engagement is inadequate throughout the process – from the selection of monitoring indicators through to the dissemination of information.
As part of a workshop for the Muskoka Watershed Council, hosted by Elaine Ho on August 5, 2016, E... more As part of a workshop for the Muskoka Watershed Council, hosted by Elaine Ho on August 5, 2016, Elaine briefly presented a report co-authored with a colleague, Sondra Eger, at the University of Waterloo. For content references and more, see the report brief in the 'Papers' section titled "Building Stronger Social and Ecological Communities in the Muskoka, Ontario Region - a preliminary review of watershed monitoring and reporting".
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Papers by sondra eger
Three main results emerged from this study.
1. Data reported in Watershed Report Cards are inconsistent from one year to the next, resulting in an inability to infer long-term trends or a coherent storyline. This is consistent with challenge faced other regions in Ontario and elsewhere (Conservation Ontario, 2005; Canadian Water Network, 2016).
2. With a high turnover of often independent researchers, duplication of research efforts occurs. A metadata repository should be implemented so as to better track research activities, ensure information is accessible as individuals come and go, and to make the data available to decision makers and the public.
3. Stakeholder engagement is inadequate throughout the process – from the selection of monitoring indicators through to the dissemination of information.
Three main results emerged from this study.
1. Data reported in Watershed Report Cards are inconsistent from one year to the next, resulting in an inability to infer long-term trends or a coherent storyline. This is consistent with challenge faced other regions in Ontario and elsewhere (Conservation Ontario, 2005; Canadian Water Network, 2016).
2. With a high turnover of often independent researchers, duplication of research efforts occurs. A metadata repository should be implemented so as to better track research activities, ensure information is accessible as individuals come and go, and to make the data available to decision makers and the public.
3. Stakeholder engagement is inadequate throughout the process – from the selection of monitoring indicators through to the dissemination of information.