The value of stakeholder engagement in a long term scientific research program in Puget Sound
Presentation Abstract
Washington State runs the largest ferry system in the United States and expansion of passenger only fast ferry (POFF) service to connect smaller communities with downtown Seattle is important for economic growth of these communities. In 2000, a class action lawsuit forced Washington State Ferries to slow high speed POFFs operating on the Seattle-Bremerton route due to shoreline impacts on private properties through wake sensitive Rich Passage. Shortly thereafter, POFF service was discontinued on the route and it was clear a different approach was required.
In 2004, a science based research program was initiated to measure baseline physical and biological shoreline variability, develop models to assess impacts from candidate vessels, and to establish new criteria for POFF operation in Rich Passage. The research program was coupled with stakeholder engagement to disseminate scientific findings and gather feedback from property owners to compare these findings against their perception.
The stakeholder engagement program was successful in two ways. First, the science team built credibility with property owners through transparent dissemination of data and knowledge. Second, property owners informed the science team by sharing visual observations and their perception of how high speed wakes cause beach erosion. The feedback process helped the science team to more efficiently and effectively understand the relative importance of natural and wake-related erosion.
Stakeholder engagement was also key to the selection and acceptance of a new low wake vessel designed specifically for Rich Passage. Successful field testing with the new vessel provided a robust validation of the overall research methodology and its emphasis on long term data. This presentation will discuss the methods used and lessons learned in engaging stakeholders in a long term scientific based research program.
Session Title
Long term studies reveal the complex dynamics and interconnectivity of the physical, geomorphic, biological systems of Salish Sea shorelines and how these systems interact with social and political systems
Conference Track
Shorelines
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2016 : Vancouver, B.C.)
Document Type
Event
Start Date
2016 12:00 AM
End Date
2016 12:00 AM
Location
2016SSEC
Type of Presentation
Oral
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)
Contributing Repository
Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Wakes (Fluid dynamics); Ferries--Washington (State)--Rich Passage; Issues management--Washington (State)--Rich Passage
Geographic Coverage
Rich Passage (Wash.); Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.)
Rights
This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
The value of stakeholder engagement in a long term scientific research program in Puget Sound
2016SSEC
Washington State runs the largest ferry system in the United States and expansion of passenger only fast ferry (POFF) service to connect smaller communities with downtown Seattle is important for economic growth of these communities. In 2000, a class action lawsuit forced Washington State Ferries to slow high speed POFFs operating on the Seattle-Bremerton route due to shoreline impacts on private properties through wake sensitive Rich Passage. Shortly thereafter, POFF service was discontinued on the route and it was clear a different approach was required.
In 2004, a science based research program was initiated to measure baseline physical and biological shoreline variability, develop models to assess impacts from candidate vessels, and to establish new criteria for POFF operation in Rich Passage. The research program was coupled with stakeholder engagement to disseminate scientific findings and gather feedback from property owners to compare these findings against their perception.
The stakeholder engagement program was successful in two ways. First, the science team built credibility with property owners through transparent dissemination of data and knowledge. Second, property owners informed the science team by sharing visual observations and their perception of how high speed wakes cause beach erosion. The feedback process helped the science team to more efficiently and effectively understand the relative importance of natural and wake-related erosion.
Stakeholder engagement was also key to the selection and acceptance of a new low wake vessel designed specifically for Rich Passage. Successful field testing with the new vessel provided a robust validation of the overall research methodology and its emphasis on long term data. This presentation will discuss the methods used and lessons learned in engaging stakeholders in a long term scientific based research program.
