Work

Mediated modeling lessons for stakeholder engagement with science-based management: case study focused on Texas Gulf Coast (USA) estuaries

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In this paper, we illustrate the use of mediated modeling and collaborative learning as a framework for good modeling practice. We describe facilitatation of local stakeholder involvement in developing policy recommendations for managing important estuaries along the Texas Gulf Coast. We designed a shared system of learning among local stakeholders and scientists, and via a series of workshops integrated that shared learning into a quantitative computer model. The quantitative model that emerged focused on estuary components of greatest interest to participants. Workshop participants initially developed a conceptual model of two adjacent Texas Gulf Coast (USA) estuaries, which are part of the Mission Aransas National Estuarine Reserve. We then formalized the conceptual model into a quantitative model representing the spatial-temporal dynamics of one of the estuaries. Engagement in this collaborative modeling process enabled workshop participants to understand more fully what is known, suggest ways to fill important knowledge gaps, and to experiment with the quantitative model to project possible futures for the selected estuary.

Source: Socio-Environmental Systems Modeling

DOI: 10.18174/sesmo.18724

Authors: Paulami Banerjee, Hsiao-Hsuan Wang, Chara J. Ragland, William E. Grant, Tarla R. Peterson

Institutions: SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Texas A&M University, The University of Texas at El Paso

Language: English

Topic: Coastal and Marine Management

Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Award: FORGING THE LINK: A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO APPLYING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO COASTAL PROBLEM SOLVING