Promoting Transparency Within a Scientific Peer Review

Strategic Earth supported California Ocean Science Trust (OST) in developing an inclusive stakeholder engagement process to promote transparency of the Recreational Red Abalone Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) peer review. Our team designed and implemented an approach that promoted open lines of communication and information sharing, while maintaining the scientific integrity of an independent peer review of two management strategies. By seeking out stakeholders’ science-based questions and research priorities, our team helped OST approach the peer review so it reflected stakeholder interests and also upheld the scientific underpinnings required for the FMP.