Science-based decision making for California oceans and coasts

Background/Question/Methods

California is committed to maintaining healthy, resilient, and productive ocean and coastal ecosystems for the benefit of current and future generations. The State’s decision-makers recognize the role science plays in achieving this vision, and have made significant investments to this end. One example is the State’s partnership with the Ocean Science Trust, a non-profit organization that operates between the worlds of science and policy. In this talk I will discuss the ways in which the Ocean Science Trust works with its partners to advance a constructive role for science in ocean and coastal decision-making. I will discuss our efforts to build a shared understanding and trust in science through our work on two important issues: ocean acidification and marine protected area monitoring and management.

In the case of ocean acidification, Ocean Science Trust is helping disparate communities—scientists, policy makers, managers, and funders—develop a shared understanding of evolving science, and of the science needs and potential actions that decision makers have available to them in dealing with the potential impacts. Marine protected area (MPA) monitoring is primarily focused on meeting requirements for adaptive management of MPAs themselves. However, the state’s considerable investment in this endeavor has raised an important opportunity to develop greater understanding of climate impacts to ecosystems in state waters, and support decision makers with that information. 

Results/Conclusions

These are issues of statewide importance with a direct interplay with climate change. These case studies demonstrate the vital role that producers and consumers of science, as well as those who facilitate this exchange, have in supporting California’s aspirations for ocean and coastal ecosystems.