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About The Lenfest Ocean Program

The Lenfest Ocean Program invests in scientific research on living marine ecosystems specifically focusing on the environmental, economic and social impacts of fishing, fisheries management and aquaculture. Supported research projects result in peer-reviewed publications in leading scientific journals. The Program works with the scientists to ensure that research results are delivered effectively to decision makers and the public, who can take action based on the findings. The program was established in 2004 by the Lenfest Foundation and is managed by the Pew Charitable Trusts. See our brochure here.

Steps in our process:

Compared to our understanding of terrestrial systems, relatively little is known about life in the ocean. In order to manage the oceans' living resources effectively, more information is needed about the impacts of human activities on the marine environment, and how to manage them effectively. To address these needs, the Lenfest Ocean Program brings the best scientific research to bear on identifying the causes, consequences and solutions to problems facing the global marine environment. The Program also ensures that its research results are delivered effectively to decision makers and the public who can take action based on the findings.

1. Supporting research

The Lenfest Ocean Program supports marine research that will be useful in formulating solutions to ocean problems. Lenfest Ocean Program staff members consult with scientists, stakeholders and decision makers to identify policy-relevant research questions. A critical factor in developing the Program's research projects is the extent to which the research will be directly relevant to marine policy decisions.

The Program focuses its work on fisheries issues because fishing arguably has the greatest impact on marine resources, and because many of these impacts can be reversed with improved fisheries management.

2. Communicating research results

A critical step in generating policy-relevant scientific analysis is communicating it to stakeholders. Because of our commitment to informing marine policy, the Lenfest Ocean Program invests substantial time and resources in ensuring that the results of the research we support are delivered effectively to decision makers and the public. For each project that we support, we work with the scientist to develop and implement a communications and outreach plan. This usually includes: (1) preparing and distributing a short Lenfest Ocean Program Research Series report that summarizes the research and places it in a policy context, (2) working with the scientist to generate media coverage, and (3) arranging for the scientist to brief decision makers on his or her findings. To view Lenfest Ocean Program Research Series reports, click here.