Tracking integrated ecosystem assessments in the ICES network: a social network analysis of the ICES expert groups

Abstract The advice the International Council for Exploration of Sea (ICES) provides to its member countries is crucial sustainable management shared marine resources, and conservation relevant ecosystems. In 2014, ICES made a strategic decision integrate social sciences in new type assessment framework called “integrated ecosystem assessments” (IEA) deliver on societal trade-offs between different policy options. IEA-focused expert groups formed before after this period now cover all major ecoregions. To track progression IEAs network over time, we conducted analysis (SNA) group attendance years 2015–2019. generally ranked lower overall network. Our study shows that some IEA-groups become more connected while others decline. We also evaluated role workshops network, particularly their development IEA knowledge. play an important connectivity. demonstrates how can be used organization such as determine effectiveness, or impact, organizational function.