Framing the need for marine spatial planning based on socio-ecological and policy contexts in southeast Australia

This project uses a data-driven approach to examine how the socio-ecological context of areas of interest – e.g., 'fully allocated' vs 'open' systems – and marine policy and regulations in place, influence the necessity and scope of implementing a marine spatial planning process. The project uses case studies in southeast Australia where new ocean activities are emerging: coastal and marine ecosystem restoration and the development of offshore renewable energy, across multiple jurisdictions (the states of Victoria, Tasmania and the federal government), therefore potentially leading to conflicts by shifting uses and socio-economic or cultural values.

The project will:

1. conduct a review on methods and implications of density of activities in marine spatial planning;
2. synthesize and contrast coastal and open ocean socio-ecological and policy contexts to provide space for emerging ocean activities using southeast Australia as a case study; and,
3. propose an approach to identify areas that would benefit from MSP, and when applicable any roadblocks inhibiting its implementation.

Selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience in the handling of spatial data with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, R, Python)
• Experience and/or knowledge of marine policy, marine resource management, and/or ocean governance

For further information on the project, please click here.

*Photo credit: Jeff Hester from Ocean Image Bank

Brief project description:

Efforts that aim to tackle public understanding and engagement in science typically assume that providing people with more information (e.g. via blogs, seminars, brochures, etc.) will result in better understanding of and engagement in science (the knowledge deficit model). The evidence, however, does not support this. Rather, recent research shows that science conversations are more likely to lead to the deep and longer-term learning necessary to foster engagement and potentially, action based on science (the dialogic model). Several CMS/IMAS projects have already begun to explore and evidence this approach – including Curious Climate Tasmania. This project will focus on science communication and engagement with people who typically do not engage with science. Specifically, it will assess how science partnerships with community engagement events (i.e. that are not usually or overtly associated with science) can potentially facilitate engagement with those who do not typically engage with science (or not). The target event is Squidfest – an art, science, and food festival. The survey data will be collected in December/January (prior to project commencing). The student will analyse the survey responses to address key project objectives and questions.

Skills students will develop during this research project:

• Semi-quantitative survey design
• Semi-quantitative survey analysis
• Science communication
• Scientific writing
• Project management

Supervisory Team:

Dr Rachel Kelly: lead investigator, student supervisor

Prof Gretta Pecl: co-investigator, student supervisor

What spatial information is used to address socio-cultural objectives in Marine Spatial Planning?