1. Building science policy interfaces: some experiences from the Caribbean
Robin Mahon
Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES)
University of the West Indies, Barbados
Overarching principle in ocean governance, namely ecosystem based management.
You could say that all of these principles guiding ocean gov decision-making lead us towards our goal for the oceans, which is SD.
So, I’ve titled my presentation, “From…souce” to make no bones about the fact that we are talking about a paradigm shift and specifically about Behavioural CHANGE…at the user level, the scientific level, the political level and yes, particularly at the consumer level.
Building International Partnership to Enhance Science-Based Ecosystem Approaches in Support of Regional Ocean Governance November, Cape Town, South Africa

2. Topics
The science policy interface has been approached from several angles
Research on the science policy interface
The UWI-CRFM Connection
Getting fishers input to policy making
Engaging the marine science laboratories
National Intersectoral Committees
The CLME+ Research Strategy

3. Research on the science policy interface
Interviewed 102 policy advisors and decision makers in 24 countries
Obtain perspectives on the constraints to use of science in policy making for marine EBM
McConney, P., Fanning, L., Mahon, R. and Simmons, B A first look at the science-policy interface for ocean governance in the Wider Caribbean Region. Front. Mar. Sci. 2:119. doi: /fmars

4. Research on the science policy interface
To determine:
Meetings in which they used science
Where the sought and found science
Constraints on access to data and information
Other factors influencing their decisions
Regional information sharing
Demand for information at meetings
Top needs for information

5. The UWI-CRFM Connection
Both CARICOM institutions
MOU
UWI Ocean Governance Network
Reporting to FORUM
Feedback on science needs
Many challenges

6. Getting fishers input to policy making
Building a multilevel regional fisherfolk network ‘The Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations CNFO’

7. Engaging the marine science laboratories
Regional Association of Marine Laboratories of the Caribbean (AMLC)
Conduit for accessing and focusing expertise to address issues?
Challenges – concerns of scientists

8. National Intersectoral Committees
Mahon, R., P. McConney, K. Parsram, B. Simmons, M. Didier, L. Fanning, P. Goff, B.Haywood and T. Shaw Ocean governance in the Wider Caribbean Region: Communication and coordination mechanisms by which states interact with regional organisations and projects. CERMES Technical Report No p.
McConney, P., I. Monnereau, B. Simmons and R. Mahon Report on the Survey of National Intersectoral Coordination Mechanisms. Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados. CERMES Technical Report No. 84:75pp.

9. CLME Research Strategy
Strategy for the ICM
Primarily about processes linking science consumers with science providers
Includes processes for inventory and identification of gaps