NOAA CSC Human Dimensions Focus Areas

Social Science Applications and Technical Assistance

Managing Visitor Use in Coastal and Marine Protected Areas Training and Web site

This two-day course provides managers with a step-by-step process for identifying and characterizing visitor-caused impacts on visitor experiences and on biological and cultural resources. The course also presents a systematic framework for monitoring the indicators and standards of quality, and for applying a range of management tactics to mitigate visitor impacts. The Web site provides course participants with access to in-depth resources, course materials, and other information on visitor-use management.

Rapid Recreation Assessment Project

Rapid recreation assessments are designed to quickly assess current conditions and identify threats to resource quality and visitor experiences at coastal protected areas. This work begins with field visits, in-depth discussions with site staff, and a review of existing documents and geospatial data, and culminates in "Managing Visitor Use" training for staff and partners at particular sites. Assessments were completed at research reserves and adjacent national wildlife refuges in Florida and Maine. The rapid recreation assessment report (PDF, 203KB) describes the process and project in more detail.

Applying Social Science to Coastal Management

The Applying Social Science to Coastal Management Web site is designed to help coastal managers and staff members learn different applications of social science in coastal management. Specifically, this site provides links to social science components of ongoing and completed projects at or through the NOAA Coastal Services Center. The site contains a section of tools, methods, and training opportunities as well as general information resources.

Human Dimensions Wheel

Remember the low-tech dial-o-matics of the past? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center has put its own "spin" on the cardboard wheel to promote awareness among coastal managers of different coastal management issues. This wheel was created to introduce you to the human dimensions of coastal management and our new Web site, Applying Social Science in Coastal Management.

Social Science Methods for Marine Protected Areas Web Site

The Social Science Methods for Marine Protected Areas Web Site is designed to help marine protected area (MPA) managers use social science to accomplish their goals. Specifically, this Web site provides basic information about social science concepts and methods, and guides managers in determining the appropriate tools, such as surveys and cost-benefit analyses, to address their specific issues. Managers will also learn how to be informed users of social science research.

Social Science Tools for Coastal Programs: Introduction to Survey Design and Delivery

Coastal resource management professionals often use social science tools, such as surveys, to guide them in implementing high-quality coastal management planning. Creating a credible survey that yields usable data can be a complex and challenging task. No survey tool exists that will work for every population and coastal situation. As a result, coastal resource managers sometimes struggle to choose from a wide variety of survey techniques, not knowing which approaches will glean the most reliable information for their needs.

This survey design document (PDF, 471KB) can help managers sift through these multiple considerations and augment their knowledge of survey tactics to increase the likelihood of success. This document is the first in a continuing series of technical support documents focusing on social science tools and applications.

Social Science Tools for Coastal Programs: Introduction to Stakeholder Participation

The public’s attitudes, perceptions, beliefs, and knowledge can have a profound effect on the success of coastal resource management. Over the past several decades, traditional top-down, agency-driven decision making in natural resource management has generally moved toward processes that involve the public and other stakeholders.

This guide (PDF, 289KB) briefly examines several important aspects of stakeholder participation, such as key procedural elements, stakeholder identification, participatory techniques, and evaluation. The guide is the second in a continuing series of technical support documents focusing on social science tools and applications.

For more information contact the Human Dimensions staff at nos.csc.human.dimensions@noaa.gov.