Abstract: Legitimacy and Collaborative Process: Factors Influencing Public Support of Puget Sound Marine Protected Areas (AFS 141st Annual Meeting)

43-6 Legitimacy and Collaborative Process: Factors Influencing Public Support of Puget Sound Marine Protected Areas

Kristin Hoelting , School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Patrick Christie , School of Marine and Environmental Affairs and Jackson School of International Studies, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Clara Hard , School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Richard Pollnac , Department of Marine Affairs, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI

Success of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is often equated with biological improvement or prevention of further degradation. Local communities’ perceptions of MPA legitimacy and level of public support are additional indicators of management success. Collaborative processes are increasingly viewed as a mechanism to increase public support and legitimacy of environmental regulations. This paper examines public involvement in the establishment of 7 Puget Sound MPAs. Using social survey data, relationships between measures of collaboration and measures of legitimacy and public support are explored.

43-6 Legitimacy and Collaborative Process: Factors Influencing Public Support of Puget Sound Marine Protected Areas

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