translating and communicating marine science- dr. tavis potts

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.

Thank-you for your time!

Tavis.Potts@sams.ac.uk