Tackling Complex Issues

Integrated Assessment (IA) provides decision support for tackling the thorniest environmental issues where it is difficult to even define the problem, let alone potential solutions. These kinds of issues are in sharp contrast to simpler challenges where stakeholders agree on both the definition of the problem and its solution, or issues where stakeholders differ on the solution because multiple solutions are possible but where analysis, risk assessment, and optimization help identify the best solution. In the case of issues best suited to IA, standard analyses are not effective.

Michigan Sea Grant made a substantial and exciting programmatic shift three years ago to focus our research funds in support of IA projects addressing these complex issues in the state. This new focus has also enabled us to fully integrate research, outreach, and education around the topics we’re addressing.

The process brings together decision makers, stakeholders, and researchers to review, interpret, and assess environmental, social, and economic information relevant to the issue. The result is a thorough, science-based study that outlines the causes of the issues, projects the consequences of maintaining the status quo, and identifies a series of potential actions —policy or management— that address the consequences. After scientific and public review, the result is available to decision makers for selection of one or several of the actions for implementation. The big news, however, is that even before the ink on the assessment report dries, the process itself creates an environment whereby new partnerships and effective initiatives emerge. We’re seeing that already in our first pilot study.

Over the past three years, Sea Grant has undertaken a pilot IA in northeast Michigan. There, concern over the need for sustained economic growth that does not impinge on excellent cultural and natural resources led the stakeholder group to identify maximizing access to the Lake Huron coast as the focus of their IA. The final project report is under review and the process itself has already surpassed expectations. This issue of upwellings highlights some of the many spin-off benefits that have occurred as a result. Also featured in this issue are three new IA projects funded by Michigan Sea Grant.

Donald Scavia
Michigan Sea Grant
Director

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