Case study of the NOAA-AOML Sea Grant liaison position

Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory

Boundary organizations can provide a critical link in the management of natural resources. We explore the 20-year evolution of a Sea Grant liaison position structured to act as a boundary organization linking academic, government, and non-governmental organizations to facilitate a common understanding of the South Florida ecosystem and to better inform decision making. The narrative includes the initial concept for the liaison position and how its role evolved over time due to the availability of funding, changes in management structure, and institutional support for the position. We conclude that, as a boundary organization, this liaison position served a genuine need; the products and services co-produced from it through extension education and outreach activities have been useful to the South Florida community.

http://doi.org/10.7289/V5/TM-AOML-106

Technical Memorandum