MSPACE Values and Preferences Methodology

This document details the multiple mixed methods used to explore stakeholder values and preferences within the MSPACE project (Marine Spatial Planning Addressing Climate Effects). The research within WP2 and WP4.1 has been organised to generate 3 interlinked activities: a governance mapping exercise, a value assessment survey and interviews, and an acceptability survey focused on climate smart proposed marine plan scenarios for each nation. In each phase, we have sought the most appropriate method for investigating relevant research questions under the contextual circumstances. All work with human subjects was approved in advance by the University of Essex Ethics Committee (ETH2122-0082). We first employ qualitative methods – interviews, workshops, and desk research – to explore the structure of governance of our three key sectors (aquaculture, conservation, fisheries). In early interviews, we focus on respondents from governance/regulatory organisations, whose input we use to generate governance maps for each sector in each devolved nation. We build on this work and these relationships by asking stakeholders and marine planners questions related to their values and preferences, using their responses and a ratings-based questionnaire to better understand the value they place on various components of the marine space. We then present initial findings from completed phases during stakeholder workshops, which represent the third phase. After using these findings to inform the creation of management scenarios that feed into MSPACE Work Package 4.2’s multiple criterion decision analysis (MCDA), we design and administer a survey asking stakeholders their willingness to accept or trade between the various management scenarios for their devolved nation. The answers to these surveys help us gauge the social acceptability portion of the MSPACE triple bottom line.