CRC Press Science, Information, and Policy Interface for Effective Coastal and Ocean Management

This book provides a timely analysis of the role that information―particularly scientific information―plays in the policy-making and decision-making processes in coastal and ocean management. It includes contributions from global experts in marine environmental science, marine policy, fisheries, public policy and administration, resource management, risk management, and information management. The book is divided into four sections that provide focused analyses, including An overview of the characteristics of the science–policy interface, including a discussion of the role of scientific information in policy making and an argument that the term "science–policy interface" is inaccurate due to the existence of many possible interfaces Descriptions of fundamental concepts and principles for understanding the role of information in effective integrated coastal and ocean management National and international case studies that illustrate key factors in successful science–policy interfaces, such as awareness, communication, and use of information Critical issues and future research challenges The book also explores the different types of science–policy interfaces existing within and between different organizations, as well as the various roles that different types of non-governmental organizations play in producing and disseminating information. Science, Information, and Policy Interface for Effective Coastal and Ocean Management presents a wealth of knowledge that enhances current best practices to achieve more effective communication and use of marine environmental information. Useful to all major groups in the policy-making process, from senior policy- and decision-makers to practitioners in coastal and ocean management, it helps to increase understanding of catalysts and barriers to communicating research findings. It also serves as a starting point for further research and progress in efficient marine environment management. The Open Access version of this book, available at https://doi.org/10.1201/b21483, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 license. Review "This volume will be of great use to the growing numbers of ocean practitioners from all sectors, dedicated to improving the health and sustainability of our oceans, for generations to come."―Michael H. Depledge, University of Exeter Medical School, from the Foreword "Although there is international acceptance of the need for integrated coastal and ocean management (ICOM), this book demonstrates that increased scientific understanding of these environments does not necessarily lead to better policy making. This book is unique in that it examines the diversity of actors and factors bridging the science–policy interface, such as the inclusion of both gray and primary literature, different forms of knowledge, information brokers, boundary organizations, different levels of decision makers, governance structures, and politics."―Nick Harvey, University of Adelaide "Global coastal systems are among the dynamic and complex environments humans engage. This volume takes on a rare and broad-ranging view of how science and information can be used to more effectively and sustainably manage these essential places. It is a welcome contribution to the literature during a period of great social vulnerability to global environmental change. The authors lucidly articulate contextual and conceptual frameworks to better understand the science–policy interface in the early pages of the book. Then, to expand and solidify the value of the book, they build a series of case-based analyses for clarity of argument. This volume is of great value to those working at the science–policy interface generally and the coastal systems change in particular."―Robert E. Bowen, University of Massachusetts "This book will be useful to all major groups in the policy-making process, including senior policy makers and decision mak