Collaboration within the Puget Sound Marine and Nearshore Science Network

Abstract

This article presents results of a study intended to paint a broad picture and uncover general trends in collaboration within the Puget Sound marine and nearshore research community. Survey results showed that natural scientists dominate the network, representing 80% of all actors in the sample. Relational contingency analysis revealed high internal rates of collaboration among social scientists and among interdisciplinary scientists. The lowest rates of collaboration were observed between natural scientists and social scientists (p < .001). Cohesion metrics were examined within sub-networks of individuals working on a variety of topical focus areas. In general, sub-networks focused on human dimensions-related topics had higher fragmentation scores (lower cohesion) than sub-networks focused on ecological, biological, or physical processes. These less cohesive sub-networks are identified as areas of opportunity for strategic network interventions to support and foster new collaborations. Results of qualitative analysis highlight factors that facilitate or inhibit success of collaborative research efforts, such as leadership, incentives, and long-term adequate funding. Additionally, the degree to which a collaborative research model can be linked to "high-impact," policy-informing research outcomes is addressed.

The Coral Triangle Initiative and regional exchanges: Strengthening capacity through a regional learning network

“…Many authors have used contingency analysis to observe group dynamics in resource management networks (e.g., Crona and Bodin, 2006;Ramirez-Sanchez and Pinkerton, 2009;Belaire et al, 2011;Hoelting et al, 2014). Contingency analysis calculates whether internal and external links among identified network groups (e.g., nationality, organizational sector) are greater than would be expected by chance based on network permutations.…”

Conservation social science: Understanding and integrating human dimensions to improve conservation

“…This is perhaps because much of sociology engages with the macro level forces (e.g., inequality, globalization) that contribute to key problems in conservation, and since such forces are not easily "managed", sociology is sometimes seen as better at raising problems than solving them (Stedman, 2012). Yet, application of basic sociological concepts -such as power, class, social capital and social networks -to local and regional conservation initiatives (Alexander and Armitage, 2015;Christie et al, 2009;Hoelting et al, 2014) can yield important insights that will help managers grapple with the complexity of conservation in rapidly changing and fragmented landscapes.…”

The status of marine and coastal ecosystem-based management among the network of U.S. federal programs

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