SMAC - Scientist & MAnagers Communicating

There is a harmful disconnect between aquatic ecosystem research and policy/management decisions. GLEON’s grassroots network is an opportunity to facilitate connections among researchers and managers. Our group will use a two-step approach to promote external communications and interactions with managers. Within GLEON we will encourage member communication with managers by updating GLEON operating procedures, encouraging manager participation, and incorporating skills training. Outside of GLEON we will gather manager perspectives and develop a communications framework. How can we improve collaborations between lake scientists and managers? To begin answering this question, we are using a survey (distributed in 2020) to gather manager insights into the experience with and perspectives on interdisciplinary collaborations with scientists. Specifically, manager insights on the challenges affecting lake management, the role of science in management decision-making and best methods for communications are being gathered through an online survey. The results of this study will be used to identify best practices for scientists participating in or wanting to develop interdisciplinary collaborations.