Transforming coastal-marine governance in the face of climate change

Abstract

There are multiple maritime areas in the Americas that are hotspots of biodiversity and climate change. These areas support the livelihoods and wellbeing of multiple coastal communities. Many of these communities engage in small-scalefishing practices. Efectively governing change in these hotspots requires engaging local people in relevant governance processes.We found that local social networks moderate the efect of other key structural variables on individuals? infuence in governance processes. Local social networks will determine the success of governance transformations initiated at higher levels.