Understanding Marine Changes

Environmental Knowledge and Methods of Research

Edited by Savitri Jetoo, Adjunct Professor, Public Administration, Faculty of Social Sciences, Economics and Law, Åbo Akademi University, Jaana Kouri, Adjunct Professor, Study of Religion, University of Turku; Researcher, The Sea, Åbo Akademi University, Silja Laine, Senior Research Fellow, Cultural History, (title of) Docent in Urban Cultural History, The School of History, Culture and Arts Studies, University of Turku, Nina Tynkkynen, Professor in Environmental Governance and Policy, Faculty of Social Sciences, Business and Economics, and Law, Åbo Akademi University and Anna Törnroos, Associate Professor in Functional Marine Ecology and Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Finland

With no linear cause-and-effect relationship between marine environmental changes and the often human-induced stressors which cause them, the changes to our seas and oceans are complex, uncertain, and arising due to multiple and interconnected issues. Studying environmental changes to the seas and oceans through a variety of perspectives and disciplines, this pioneering book outlines the challenges of researching marine environmental issues.

‘Through 13 chapters, the editors and authors of this book are to be congratulated in showcasing not only Finnish research into marine social and natural sciences but also including information in adjacent Baltic waters as well as theories and concepts which are relevant worldwide. The chapters show the importance of integrated research linked to marine and coastal management and governance.’
– Mike Elliott, University of Hull, UK

‘This volume offers an impressive array of case studies demonstrating how different disciplines, and different community voices, can work in dialogue to illuminate the complexity of “wicked” environmental problems – and how they may be remediated. A rich and stimulating read for scholars, artists and activists concerned with the world’s oceans.’
– Jane Costlow, Bates College, US

‘This is a rare case of transdisciplinary study that deals with so-called wicked environmental problems i.e. those, where the stakeholders represent different systems of values, and natural sciences can’t give the full picture. Reaching for art, traditional knowledge and the new field of “marine social sciences” permits us to present the complexity of situations that we are all going to face with climate change.’
– Jan Marcin Węsławski, Institute of Oceanology PAN, Poland