Understanding collaborative governance from a communication network perspective: A case study of the Atlantic Salmon recovery framework

Environmental Science and Policy
By: , and 

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Abstract

Atlantic salmon populations in Maine remain critically low despite extensive hatchery supplementation and habitat improvement efforts. In 2000, the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment was listed as Endangered under the ESA with joint listing authority shared by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Because, regulators, and tribal, federal and state managers operate with independent authorities, recovery decisions depend upon effective communication and coordination among groups. Using a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed (n = 41) and interviewed (n = 28) members of the Atlantic Salmon Recovery Framework (ASRF), the joint governance structure responsible for Atlantic salmon management in Maine. We used survey results to examine the communication between members of ASRF through communication network analysis. While there is a relatively high network density for individual communication (56 %), connections are decentralized, a characteristic that can be incompatible with some organizational structures. Challenges reported by members fit into three general categories; i. slow and ineffective decision-making, ii. confusion surrounding leadership and accountability, and iii. low adaptive capacity. Despite these challenges, participants reported a commitment to maintaining a collaborative governance structure and a long history of inter-organizational relationships. This introspective effort has led to a reorganization effort to optimize communication pathways.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Understanding collaborative governance from a communication network perspective: A case study of the Atlantic Salmon recovery framework
Series title Environmental Science and Policy
DOI 10.1016/j.envsci.2020.10.001
Volume 115
Year Published 2021
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Leetown
Description 12 p.
First page 79
Last page 90
Country United States
State Maine
Other Geospatial Gulf of Maine
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