In a retrospective case study of the seminal Elwha River dam removal in Washington State, USA, we explore pathways through which ecosystem services (ES) knowledge can inform environmental decision-making. We specifically investigate how knowledge of cultural benefits linked to the Elwha River ecosystem was made available. Through interviews and historical document review we identify diverse forms of cultural benefits knowledge (i.e., how individuals or groups know the contributions of an ecosystem to their identities, experiences, and capabilities), including both knowledge in the form of practices - embodied or enacted forms of knowledge, and knowledge in the form of products - quantitative or written documentation. Recognizing and learning from the diverse forms in which benefits knowledges are conveyed can support more accurate and equitable consideration of the diverse values, well-beings, and human-nature relationships linked to ecosystems. With this case study, we illuminate pathways for meaningful consideration of multiple knowledge forms, and the plural ecosystem values they convey, with relevance for environmental decision processes in the Puget Sound and beyond.
This paper explores the intersection of sustainable development and marine tourism through an in-depth analysis of the "Blue Flag" certification program as applied to marinas in the Attica region of Greece. The study investigates the environmental, social, and economic implications of Blue Flag-certified marinas, using a sample of five facilities that consistently meet international sustainability standards. Drawing on primary data collected through structured questionnaires and supported by secondary data from relevant institutional sources, the research assesses operational efficiency, compliance with environmental protocols, and the broader benefits of certification. Findings indicate that Blue Flag certification enhances marina prestige, visitor satisfaction, and environmental performance, though it has limited direct impact on revenue. The paper identifies key challenges such as energy consumption and berth shortages, while highlighting best practices in environmental management and safety. The study concludes with strategic recommendations to strengthen sustainable practices and enhance the competitive positioning of certified marinas within the Blue Economy framework.
Watercraft strikes pose a significant threat to marine turtles because they surface to breathe and spend much of their time in habitats that overlap with areas of high watercraft traffic. although reduced watercraft speeds have been shown to lower the likelihood and severity of watercraft-strikes with marine turtles, their effectiveness depends on high boater compliance. to improve compliance, it is important to assess current adherence to speed restrictions and to identify site-specific factors influencing compliance. this is particularly important in regions where interactions between vulnerable species and watercrafts are greatest. this study assessed boater compliance with existing speed restrictions in three regions along the Florida Gulf coast (Destin region; st. Petersburg region; and sarasota region) previously identified as having high densities of stranded marine turtles with documented watercraft strike injuries. compliance ranged from 42% to 70% across locations. at each location, compliance was influenced by discrete factors, including speed restriction, time of day, month, watercraft type, and signage presence. Our results are valuable for maximizing compliance as they provide information on where and when noncompliance is occurring. this will help guide targeted studies into causes of noncompliance and facilitate communication strategies to increase compliance.
On-site sewage systems (OSS) serve as critical wastewater treatment infrastructure for hundreds of thousands of households across the Puget Sound region. However, aging systems present mounting challenges for public health, environmental protection, and household financial stability. This study examines the economic burden borne by homeowners to address failing OSS through comprehensive case studies in King County and across twelve Puget Sound counties.Using data from Public Health-Seattle & King County, Washington Department of Health, and Craft3, we estimate that King County homeowners face a collective $3.7 billion burden to address OSS older than 20 years, with nearly $3 billion needed immediately for systems exceeding their 30-year lifespan. Regionally, assuming a 3% annual failure rate, repair and replacement costs approach $500 million annually, with $77.5 million attributed to systems within Marine Recovery Areas that directly impact water quality.Location and infrastructure availability create significant cost disparities, with homeowner expenses ranging from $4,000 for basic OSS maintenance to $124,000 for sewer connections. These findings underscore the "wicked" nature of OSS management, where individual property owners bear responsibility for infrastructure providing significant public benefits. We also examine innovative financing mechanisms, including green bonds, community-based partnerships, and Chile's Subdirectorate of Rural Health Services, offering potential pathways for addressing this critical infrastructure challenge.
Coastal areas face multidimensional challenges that require participatory, community-driven planning processes to address. Public participation in decision-making is shaped by identity-based and attitudinal factors, including social identity and trust in management entities. Political identity is increasingly recognized as a social identity impacting public trust in government, science, and management approaches. however, little information is known about how political identity impacts participation in coastal governance. We investigated the relationships between political identity, trust, and participation in state-level decision-making processes using an online survey panel of North carolina residents (N = 1200). Political identity shaped concerns and priorities for coastal management, trust in management entities, and information sources about coastal issues, but did not impact participation in decision-making. Participation in decision-making was positively correlated to trust in management entities and household income and was inversely correlated to age and female gender, meaning that participants were likely to be younger, higher-income, male, and trusting of management entities. these findings can be leveraged to navigate identity-based divisions in coastal communities and bolster public participation in decision-making processes, especially amid the heightened political polarization of environmental and scientific issues that has followed the cOViD-19 pandemic.
This case study examines barriers to implementing "H-Integrated" salmon recovery strategies-efforts that coordinate habitat, hatchery, harvest, and hydropower actions-in Puget Sound. Based on a focus group with Tribal, State, Federal, and nonprofit practitioners, we identified five interconnected constraints: data gaps, modeling frameworks, decision-making under uncertainty, limited organizational capacity, and collaboration across silos. These were embedded within a sixth cross-cutting constraint: structural and systemic barriers, exemplified by complicated institutional dynamics and differences in how expertise is recognized across organizations. Participants emphasized that these challenges are closely connected, making it harder for groups to plan together, adapt to change, or try new approaches. Many of these challenges reflect not only technical limitations, but also stem from contrasting perspectives on data collection and decision authority, as well as the complex histories that have shaped relationships among agencies, organizations, and Tribal Nations. We interpret these dynamics through the lenses of situated knowledge and epistemological pluralism and suggest that effective knowledge co-production can bridge these gaps and strengthen collaborative problem-solving, innovation, and risk-taking. Participants emphasized that, along with modeling tools that reflect the realities of on-the-ground decision-making, H-Integration depends on institutional support for collaborative monitoring and trust-building. In practice, this means developing processes that integrate different perspectives and treating co-production as an ongoing institutional commitment.
Recreationalists both impact and benefit from the numerous watersheds that feed Puget Sound. This study employs a socioecological approach to assess invasive species risks from, and threats to, freshwater recreation in Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's (WDFW) North Puget Sound Region. A survey of residents, combined with a census of freshwater fishing licensees, found that 76% participated in freshwater recreation during summer 2023, primarily through shoreline activities and non-motorized boating. Activity was concentrated in urban lakes and major rivers. We concurrently modeled habitat suitability for four key invasive species that can be transported by recreationalists, and/or may also affect recreational experiences: Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), New Zealand mud snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum), American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), and Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica). We found waterbodies with WDFW access sites exhibited higher habitat suitability for these species. Integrating recreation use and habitat suitability models, we identified high-vulnerability sites for both invasion via recreational vectors and impacts to recreational quality. These findings demonstrate the importance of integrated social science and ecological methods for developing targeted management strategies in coastal regions to mitigate invasive species spread, protect recreational opportunities, and preserve freshwater ecosystem integrity.
Preventing coastal pollution is of critical importance not only for today's tourism stakeholders but also for future generations. Within the scope of this research, the causes, effects and solutions of marine pollution in coastal areas where tourism and recreation activities are concentrated are examined from the perspective of tourism marketing in the case of Antalya. Qualitative research methodology and phenomenology design were adopted to examine the issue in depth. Face-to-face and in-depth interviews were conducted using semi-structured forms with sixteen participants selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. As a result, it was revealed that there are some pollution problems caused by tourism activities and marine vessels in Antalya. It is recommended to prevent pollution by improving physical and legal infrastructure, increasing educational activities, effective inspection and deterrent penalties, and conceptualizing "perceived marine pollution" from a tourist perspective in coastal tourism destinations.
Marking the boundaries of Coastal and Marine Protected Areas (CMPA) through on-site visual tools (signs, barriers, buoys, etc.) is one of the communication techniques that managers may deploy to increase the visibility of their management area to the public. But while much research has focused on legal and conflict aspects associated with CMPA boundaries from the broader community perspective, less attention has been paid to how and why managers (do or do not) implement in-situ boundary-marking strategies in the field. Understanding the views of locally based CMPA managers can provide important additional insights into the various strengths and challenges of CMPA communication strategies in general. Using purposive sampling, we conducted in-depth interviews with 19 managers across four different CMPA types in France. The interviews focused on identifying the factors favoring the presence or absence of CMPA boundary marking strategies in a country where the public is generally unaware of CMPA locations and regulations. The results show that the marking of CMPA boundaries is influenced by three main trends. First, the protection and legal status of sites plays a decisive role, as it indirectly reflects different conceptions of nature protection (conservationism versus preservationism). Second, marking strategies are also shaped by local governance dynamics, in a context characterized by the overlap and accumulation of multiple protection statuses within the same territory, which complicates stakeholder interactions and coordination processes. Finally, some managers associate signage with the risk of CMPA over-visitation and are therefore reluctant to make their presence more visible, fearing an influx of visitors. In light of the issues identified, managers would benefit from further reflection on the potential contributions of boundary marking, even if only to clarify and harmonize their actual territorial branding strategies.
North Carolina's fisheries regulatory regime shows signs of a precipitous decline in public trust and perceived legitimacy in the decision-making process. One facet of widespread frustration is the function of the advisory system for state fisheries regulators. When science advice is done well, it can bolster public trust in the decision-making process and serve as a tool of accountability. However, an advisory system that is poorly designed or implemented can undermine trust and accountability. This article examines the use of the advisory system to North Carolina fisheries regulators within the context of three controversial areas of decision-making: area closures for shrimp trawling, southern flounder management plans, and development of a shellfish aquaculture industry. We identify weaknesses in the design and implementation of the advisory system and provide recommendations for improving outcomes toward goals of public trust in the fisheries regulatory process and accountability of decision makers.
The widespread distribution of fishing activities, the low opportunity cost of collecting sea cucumbers, and the straightforward processing into beche-de-mer pose significant global governance issues. This study investigates these challenges in Indonesia. It identifies fishing locations and species harvested, export trends, and critical management questions for the conservation and sustainable fishing of sea cucumber resources. The study confirms 31 sea cucumber fishing areas. Fishers from areas in the Central and East regions of Indonesia harvest a greater diversity of species than in areas located in Western regions. A total of 56 species are known to have been and are still being fished in Indonesia. Most areas' catches were dominated by lower-value species, raising sustainability concerns for the highest-value species. Despite the relatively stable trend in export volume from 2012 to 2021, sea cucumbers are still only classified under a single product name, 'teripang'. The study explores the effectiveness of national and local management strategies, including total allowable catch quota systems and minimum legal-size limits aligned with CITES Appendix II provisions, as well as the application of customary law, known as 'sasi', within locally managed marine areas. The study notes that the sasi system for managing the use of sea cucumbers has been implemented in 27 areas in Indonesia's Eastern region.
Drawing on consumer survey data and long-term statistics (1962-2020), we examine recent trends in South Korea's seafood consumption and consider policy options to revitalize demand in a mature market. Our study identifies a clear gap between stated seafood preferences and actual consumption behavior, particularly among Millennials and Generation Z (the MZ generation). Ordered-probit estimates from a nationally stratified survey of 1,000 adults show that, although Generation MZ expresses relatively positive preferences for seafood, they consume it less frequently relative to meat than do Baby Boomers and Generation X. This gap is linked primarily to perceived inconvenience and price, whereas older cohorts place greater emphasis on health benefits and value of seafood. Revitalizing seafood consumption therefore requires policies that lower consumer-side barriers related to price and convenience. Priorities may be put on developing easy-to-prepare seafood products, fostering innovation in processing and distribution, and strengthening efficient e-commerce platforms to engage younger consumers. These demand-side innovations depend on stable, standardized supply systems that can be institutionally supported through sustainability certification such as Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). Aligning generation-targeted demand strategies with sustainable coastal production systems may therefore contribute to long-term demand recovery in the seafood sector.
Sustainability has become an increasingly important concept in marina management due to the growing impacts of global warming, climate change, and marine pollution. In recent years, sustainability has gained a central place on the global agenda, particularly with the identification of 17 Sustainable Development Goals by the United Nations, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in business management and environmental governance. The primary aim of this research is to identify and systematically present sustainable marina management practices in a scientific, concrete, and objective manner. To achieve this objective, a Sustainable Marina Management Scale was developed through a field-based scale development study. Australia stands out as a country with a highly developed marina industry and a strong environmental awareness that has become integrated into business practices and social values. The country hosts a total of 296 marinas. Australia's yachting industry has been experiencing rapid growth, supported by strong collaboration among marina operators, yacht tourism stakeholders, and non-governmental organizations working on sustainability and marina management. Furthermore, Australia represents one of the largest yacht markets outside Europe and North America. Within this framework, the study explores the question: "How should sustainable marina management be implemented?" by examining the perspectives and participation of marina stakeholders in Australia. The findings are expected to contribute not only to the economic development of the marina sector but also to the sustainable management of marine tourism resources, ensuring their protection and transfer to future generations. In this context, Australia's functional and sustainability-oriented marina management approach offers a valuable model that may serve as an example for both local and global marina industries.
The climate crisis has been a source of anxiety and grief for decades. The 2024 U.S. presidential election dramatically altered U.S. environmental and climate policy, worsening the crisis and its attendant emotions such as depression, anxiety, grief and anger. This essay reviews the critical role that hope plays in channeling these emotions into strategic actions, new connections, and individual and collective paths forward. It reviews the concept of Active Hope and identifies specific steps for creating individual action plans. Special attention is given to the role activism might play in such plans and the imperative of charting actions which look forward, creating new institutions, legal frameworks and solutions rather than simply returning to the pre-Trump status quo.
This article examines the intersection between maritime decarbonization and the rise of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). International shipping contributes nearly three percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, making technological innovation essential to meet the International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s 2023 Greenhouse Gas Strategy and net-zero ambitions. MASS, powered by artificial intelligence, offer opportunities for fuel optimization, emissions reduction, and digital efficiency. Yet, their deployment exposes profound legal gaps. Existing conventions-such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), and the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims (LLMC)) 1976 (Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims (LLMC) 1976)-were drafted for crewed vessels, leaving unresolved questions about safety oversight, cybersecurity resilience, and liability allocation among shipowners, artificial intelligence developers, and Remote Control Centers. Through case studies such as the Wakashio and comparative insights from oil pollution, nuclear liability, and aviation law, the article demonstrates how fragmented liability regimes risk either under-compensating victims or over-deterring innovation. It argues for proactive reform: extending limitation rights conditionally to new stakeholders, redefining recklessness standards, mandating insurance, and potentially establishing international compensation funds. The study concludes that only by recalibrating legal frameworks can MASS become a catalyst for a greener, safer, and more equitable maritime future.
Ports are increasingly vital in global trade flows and have significant adverse environmental impacts. As a result, green ports have gained attention and affirmed their importance in environmental protection and economic development efforts. Vietnam, a developing country with rapid economic growth and a fast-expanding seaport sector, only began formulating and implementing green port policies in 2020. The government is still in the pilot phase of greening select seaports nationwide. The transition toward sustainable ports remains a long and challenging journey. International law does not prescribe a standardized framework for green port evaluation criteria, as these depend on the specific conditions of each country. Therefore, this article will analyze Vietnam's legal framework on green ports, assessing its advantages and limitations in promoting sustainable port development.
The transition to green energy in seaports is indispensable for sustainable maritime development, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, mitigates greenhouse gas emissions, and enhances operational efficiency. In Vietnam, this transition gains further urgency under the country's commitments at the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and its pledge to phase out fossil fuels on the pathway to COP30. Using a case-based analysis of selected Vietnamese seaports, this study examines the country's legal and policy frameworks governing green energy transition and their practical implementation. The analysis identifies key achievements and regulatory gaps, and challenges to energy transition in port operations. The paper concludes with targeted recommendations aimed at strengthening Vietnam's policy and legal framework to promote renewable energy adoption and achieve sustainable emission reduction in seaports.
