New Web Site Profiles Social Science Tools and Methods for MPA Management
Recent studies have found that social aspects are equally as important as biological or physical factors in determining the success of marine protected areas (MPAs).
To help coastal managers understand and address the human dimensions of MPA management, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center, in cooperation with the National Marine Protected Areas Center, launched a new Web site exploring the social science aspects of marine and coastal resource management.
The site includes practical information on social science concepts and methods, case studies, references, and more to guide managers in determining appropriate tools to address their specific issues. Multiple topics are explored, including non-market valuation, surveys, cost-benefit analyses, and social assessment.
Visit http://www.csc.noaa.gov/mpass/.
Award-Winning Program Underscores Value of Community Involvement
Often, the most successful coastal preservation and restoration programs are those that cultivate strong community involvement. In South Carolina, for example, citizens are making a tremendous difference in preserving one of the state's most treasured natural resources—the oyster.
Through the South Carolina Oyster Restoration and Enhancement (SCORE) program, citizens and businesses participate in oyster habitat restoration by recycling their oyster shells at 12 coastal drop-off locations. Since its inception in 2000, the SCORE program has built 98 new oyster reefs at 28 sites along the South Carolina coast. SCORE staff members, with the help of volunteers who've already donated 10,000 work hours, also assess reef development, research and develop new approaches to reef construction, and monitor water quality at restored sites.
This award-winning program, which is managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and funded by several NOAA programs, was recently honored at the International Conference on Shellfish Restoration in Charleston, South Carolina.
Without question, it's a great example of how community-based involvement can make all the difference. For more on SCORE, visit http://www.csc.noaa.gov/scoysters/. For more on NOAA's Community-based Restoration Program, visit http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/restoration/projects_programs/programs.html.
