The Maine Tidal Power Initiative: transdisciplinary sustainability science research for the responsible development of tidal power

Abstract

The Maine Tidal Power Initiative (MTPI), an interdisciplinary team of engineers, marine scientists, oceanographers, and social scientists, is using a transdisciplinary sustainability science approach to collect biophysical and social data necessary for understanding interactions between human and natural systems in the context of tidal power development in Maine. MTPI offers a unique opportunity to better understand how group structure and process influence outcomes in transdisciplinary sustainability science research. Through extensive participant observation and semi-structured interviews we: (1) describe MTPI's organizational structure; (2) examine MTPI's research approach and engagement with stakeholders from different sectors of society (i.e., industry, government, and the local community); and (3) identify challenges and opportunities for involving different disciplinary expertise and diverse stakeholders in transformational sustainability science research. We found that MTPI's holistic mission, non-hierarchical structure, and iterative stakeholder engagement process led to important benefits and significant challenges. Positive outcomes include knowledge development, a transferable research framework, shared resources, personal reward, and a greater understanding of the local environment and community. Challenges identified include balancing diverse interests and priorities, maintaining engagement, managing stakeholder relationships, and limited resources. Lessons learned from the process of integrative collaborative research in Maine can offer guidance on what should be considered when carrying out similar transdisciplinary sustainability science projects in other research contexts.

Changes in Relative Fish Density Around a Deployed Tidal Turbine during on-Water Activities

“…It will be important to time such activities to avoid major fish migrations or presence of endangered and threatened species. Insight from this research has aided permitting for local and regional regulatory bodies, industry, and local stakeholders to make decisions regarding the social and legal acceptance of tidal power development and future device deployments [6]. Continued research is needed in the area of fish monitoring, along with other environmental assessments (e.g., mammals, birds, underwater noise), to allow this renewable energy source to develop into a sustainable, commercially viable market to further enable carbon emission mitigation of climate change effects.…”

“…As such, the process of regulation and decision-making must happen simultaneously for the advancement of MHK technologies. The permitting process requires monitoring effects of MHK devices on the environment and adaptive management of that monitoring [6], particularly in the early stages of such new technology. Adaptive management proceeds best when used to guide decision-making, particularly as technologies move through different stages of development [7].…”

Interdisciplinary Research Collaborative Trains Students to See Through Turbulent Systems

“…Securing funding for large interdisciplinary initiatives (~$1.5M annually, in this case) and the high level of commitment required to sustain and manage them were two of the challenges identified. The MTPI also found that student involvement can foster linkages between disciplinary teams and is critical to training the next generation of scientists and decisionmakers (Jansujwicz and Johnson 2015).…”

“…The WPSRC therefore used an engaged and participatory approach, as described below and in the online supplementary materials, to gather and share data with local communities. A strong baseline of trust that emerged from earlier MTPI interactions between the research team and individual community members contributed significantly to critical longterm working relationships (Jansujwicz and Johnson, 2015).…”

“…Efforts to strengthen research collaborations that transcend disciplinary approaches and include input from various communities of knowledge, including all relevant disciplines and stakeholder groups, has gained considerable momentum (e.g., Lang et al, 2012). However, while these previous experiences offer guidance on what should be considered when designing and conducting integrative collaborative research (e.g., Jansujwicz and Johnson, 2015), student training opportunities are not explicitly considered. A lack of such opportunities to provide upcoming marine scientists with practice in interdisciplinary thinking outside of the more traditionally disciplinary-distinct class-room setting hampers efforts to translate knowledge into action.…”