Treda Grayson | USGS Science

USGS2021

A socio-ecological imperative for broadening participation in coastal and estuarine research and management

For most of the scientific disciplines associated with coastal and estuarine research, workforce representation does not match the demographics of communities we serve, especially for Black, Hispanic or Latino, and Indigenous peoples. This essay provides an overview of this inequity and identifies how a scientific society can catalyze representational, structural, and interactional diversity to achieve greater inclusion. Needed changes go beyond representational diversity and require an intentional commitment to build capacity through inclusivity and community engagement by supporting anti-racist policies and actions. We want to realize a sense of belonging on the part of scientists in society at large and enable research pursuits through a lens of social justice in service of coastal communities. Minimally, this framework offers an avenue for increased recruitment of individuals from more diverse racial and ethnic identities. More broadly, the mechanisms described here aim to create a culture in scientific societies in which social justice, driven by anti-racist actions, produces systemic change in how members of scientific societies approach, discuss, and address issues of inequity. We have written this essay for members of the coastal and marine science community who are interested in change. We aim to call in new voices, allies, and champions to this work.

Estuaries and Coasts↗

USGS2020

Louisiana Adaptive Management Status and Improvement Report: Vision and Recommendations

As part of the process to increase implementation of adaptive management for ecosystem-based coastal restoration within Louisiana, we aim for this report to be broadly applicable across planning processes as well as funding and implementing entities. It compiles technical knowledge and guidance summarized as key findings through the text which lead to eight priority recommendations to improve application of adaptive management in Louisiana. This report identifies critical linkage points and opportunities for knowledge and data transfers within, and among, agencies in Louisiana. The primary focus is on CPRA and others affiliated with the LA TIG. This report presents a consensus based common vision for adaptive management of coastal restoration implementation in Louisiana. As CPRA is the primary agency responsible for coordinating and facilitating coastal restoration projects within the state of Louisiana, the primary source of information and experience was collated from personnel and processes carried out at CPRA. To capture needs and mechanisms ,across agencies, extensive input was also received from the LA TIG, representing the other state and federal Trustees.

Louisiana↗