science that links social and biophysical disciplines

[Richard Dudley]

science that links social and biophysical disciplines
in order to inform ecosystem approaches to management.
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I recently received this note which some of you might find interesting....

NOTE CLOSING DATE

-Richard

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The NOAA Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research (CSCOR) is chairing
a special session during the 2009 meeting of the Coastal and Estuarine
Research Federation focused on science that links social and biophysical
disciplines in order to inform ecosystem approaches to management.

*Background*
Management agencies and organizations in the US and internationally are
increasingly adopting regional ecosystem approaches to coastal
management. An ecosystem approach can be defined as management that is
adaptive, specified geographically, considers multiple stressors,
strives to balance diverse societal objectives, and takes into account
ecosystem knowledge and uncertainties. Such an approach requires
ecosystem-level understanding that integrates information gleaned from
both biophysical and social science disciplines. Social science provides
two essential contributions. First, by explaining and predicting human
causes, consequences, and responses to changes in ecosystem services, it
broadens scientific understanding of coastal ecosystems. Second,
insight into human psychology and behavior informs coastal decision
processes that increasingly aim to combine ecosystem understanding with
meaningful stakeholder participation in establishing management goals,
developing measurable indicators, and examining tradeoffs of alternative
actions.

*Session Description*
The purpose of this special session (SCI-062) is to provide a forum to
highlight and explore ecosystem-level research that integrates
biophysical science, especially predictive tools, with these social
science contributions to support coastal decision making. We encourage
presentations that explore theoretical, methodological, communication,
and other challenges and opportunities associated with conducting
ecosystem science that links social and ecological considerations.

*Abstract Submission*
Registration and abstract submittal opens 21 February 2009 at noon
Pacific Time and closes 15 May 2009 at midnight Pacific Time. The
conference website can be reached here <http://www.sgmeet.com/cerf2009/>
(http://www.sgmeet.com/cerf2009/). If you would like to submit an
abstract to this CSCOR session please refer to session number SCI-062.