At a time of growing human demand for the use of marine space and its resources (Ehler, 2021; Koehler et al., 2017), Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) has been proposed as a novel process that could foster sustainable marine governance (Pyć, 2019). By 2023, around 126 countries had adopted MSP in some form (IOC-UNESCO, 2024), including […]
Information Use & Influence
“Connecting Communities to Ocean Science”: The ACCESS-BoFEP Conference, 19-22 May 2026
Researchers, students, practitioners, educators, and community members alike gathered at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, for the 2026 joint Atlantic Canada Coastal and Estuarine Science Society (ACCESS) and the Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BoFEP) biennial conference. Held under the theme “Connecting Communities to Ocean Science,” the conference brought together approximately 90 participants for four days of presentations, discussions, posters, […]
“It’s Alive!”: Reflections from the Living Data Conference
What is living data? That question seemed fitting to explore while nestled high in the Andes Mountains in a city rich with culture that deeply connects its people to the extensive biodiversity that surrounds them. In the last days of October 2025, I anticipated the wonderful opportunity to present my Master’s research at the Living […]
Dynamics of Information Flow at the Science-Policy Interface for Endangered Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic Salmon
Once an aquatic species is added to Canada’s list of endangered flora and fauna under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA), does the best available information make its way into decision-making to promote the recovery of the species? Resource management, including the management of endangered species, can be challenging due to the involvement of […]
The Role of Media in Promoting Awareness and Use of Research-Based Information
When scientists communicate their findings to broader audiences, the medium they use can have a substantial impact on how the information is absorbed and used. In recent years, attention has shifted in science communication from a focus on traditional media sources, such as news broadcasts and journal articles, to social media. The ubiquity of social […]
Measuring the Use and Influence of Research-Based Information
Effective use of research-based information is critical for informed decision- and policy-making. However, assessing the use and influence of such information can pose significant challenges due to the complex interactions between scientific knowledge, policy processes, and stakeholder interests (Bogenschneider et al., 2021; Englund et al., 2022; Soomai et al., 2016). In this blog post, we […]
What to Expect When Designing Public Consultations: Lessons from the Literature
Public involvement is key for policy development and revision. Governments undertake public consultation exercises to fulfil policy objectives ranging from information-sharing and increasing public acceptance to engaging in bi-lateral partnerships and power-sharing agreements (Doberstein, 2022; Health Canada, 2001). Public consultations can increase the perceived legitimacy of public decisions, build trust in institutions, and ensure that […]
New Paper: Information, Public Decision Making, and Climate Change: The Many Roles of Grey Literature
Today, the volume of information about the far-reaching effects of climate change is massive and growing. Following the discovery in the early decades of the twentieth century that rising global temperatures were primarily caused by carbon dioxide emissions, the number of publications on climate subjects rapidly spiralled upward, particularly since 2000. These publications could aid […]
What is Evidence? Perspectives on Its Role in Policy Making
In this post, we investigate the various forms and difficulties associated with interpreting evidence and highlight its multifaceted nature. We consider the issue of different interpretations of evidence and emphasize the vital role of quality assurance processes such as peer review, which aim to assure the reliability and credibility of research. To effectively support policymakers’ […]
Where are local communities in Marine Spatial Planning?
How can local communities benefit from and be involved in marine spatial planning (MSP) was the top-of-mind question at a one-day workshop at Dalhousie University in Halifax on Thursday, 22 February 2024. Over 70 participants including representatives of non-governmental organizations, Mi’kmaw organizations, industry, academia, and government, and interested members of the public spent the day […]