Understanding the interaction between people and our coastal environment.
The natural environment impacts people, and people, in turn, impact the environment. In the Seacoast region, a better understanding of coastal communities can help create intervention strategies for environmental problems that are informed by community and individual perspectives. Social science research (also sometimes referred to as human dimensions) can help us understand the interconnection between people and the environment. New Hampshire Sea Grant’s social science resources and related projects are intended to strengthen connections across social science research and its applications to outreach, education, technical assistance, and engagement in our coastal and marine communities.
The resources highlighted below are drawn from literature reviews and can be used to support program and project development, grant writing, and to inform areas for future research. The bins are intended to help categorize resources for ease of access, but don’t hesitate to reach out to staff with questions or feedback.
Categories
Policy & Management
Policy & Management
Studies that provide context for coastal management options and/or coastal policy decision-making.
Coming soon!
Environmental Perceptions
Environmental Perceptions
Studies addressing how people perceive the environment and issues impacting the environment.
Community Engagement
Community Engagement
Studies and resources about environmental engagement, stewardship, recreation/tourism, and communications.
Coming soon!
Coastal Populations
Coastal Populations
State, regional, and nationwide coastal demographic resources to better understand the populations that live in coastal areas.
Coming soon!
Guides, Frameworks, & Theories
Guides, Frameworks, & Theories
Approaches and resources to frame research and/or provide context for understanding human behavior.
Coming soon!
Coastal Issue Areas
Coastal Issue Areas
Resources pertaining to specific coastal issue areas (ex. stormwater, water quality, land use, beaches).
Coming soon!
Related Projects
2024 Bridging Human Dimensions
A one-year project that brought together a multidisciplinary group to collaborate on a series of workshops and peer learning circles to develop new understandings and insights about the implications of social science research related to water quality in the Great Bay watershed funded by the National Estuarine Research Reserve System Science Collaborative.
Landscaping for Water Quality
An annual professional workshop for professional landscapers to learn about and practice designing landscapes that are attractive, ecologically functional, and healthy for local lakes, rivers, streams, and bays.
Presents both natural and social science to support the need to shift towards more water-friendly landscaping practices.
CoastWise
New Hampshire CoastWise is a year-long, cohort-based professional development and networking program for those working on coastal resilience, marine resource management, and related topics around the state. Designed to build new skills and stronger networks, CoastWise seeks to cultivate an engaged and connected workforce to address challenges and opportunities facing our coastal systems (including upland watersheds).
PowerPlay: Undercurrents
An interactive theater model that seeks to address the challenge of bridging scientific knowledge and community conversations on managed retreat and serve as an innovative tool to encourage more productive community conversations about adapting to rising sea levels.
Past NH Sea Grant Research and Development Funds Projects
Demographic representation in New Hampshire's seafood economy
Demographic representation in New Hampshire's seafood economy
Learning from Disputes Over Science in Coastal and Ocean Systems
Learning from Disputes Over Science in Coastal and Ocean Systems
Contacts
Lindsey Williams
Associate Director &
Assistant Director for Workforce Development
Julia Peterson
Extension Program Leader
