The social-ecological dimensions of marine storytelling

Abstract

This thesis addresses science communication to contribute to social-ecological research and community actions. While scholarly and public attention mainly focuses on charismatic marine habitats and animals, many cultural, social, and ecological values are derived from seafloor habitats. However, they are often characterized as uncharismatic, out of sight, and out of mind. Essential functions like nutrient recycling in estuaries contribute significantly to the marine food web. Indeed, with increasing anthropogenic pressures, linking the functioning of seafloors to the value of these ecosystems has implications for coastal decision-making. The purpose of this study was to investigate how scientists can tell a compelling and engaging science story about seafloors and their unsung heroes to generate more dialogue about their ecology. Coast care groups were chosen as the audience, as they play an essential role in shaping human-ocean relationships in their local communities. The objectives of this research were to (i) explore coast care member understandings of seafloors and concerns about the state of these in the Hauraki Gulf, (ii) evaluate the usefulness of ecology storytelling in deepening our collective understanding of seafloors, and (iii) alongside coast care members, identify the challenges and opportunities in using ecology storytelling in working toward holistic, ecosystem thinking. A qualitative research approach was taken. Members of coast care from around the Hauraki Gulf participated in interviews and focus group discussions. Participants were told a seafloor story created by the researcher and were asked questions regarding their understandings, concerns, and opinions on my story and storytelling in general. Three key themes were constructed from thematic data analysis. Prior experiences and encounters shaped participant knowledge of seafloors and concerns. My story was an interactive experience, allowing two-way dialogue that deepened our collective understanding. The participants and I discussed storytelling as a communication tool that could be used to deepen the seafloor understanding of their wider community. Critical lessons for marine ecologists and science communicators are identified. These vital lessons include the importance of listening to the audience and the need to tell more stories about seafloor habitats and their unsung heroes.