Eye of the Beholder: Exploring perspectives of ocean risk

and uncertainty to improve data accessibility

Jessica Kuonen Marine Resource Management

College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences Oregon State University

Ocean Condition Forecasting

Artwork by Glynn Gorick

•  Temperature •  Current •  Waves •  Salinity •  Winds Recognized need to transform the science into products that serve society.

Ocean users

Seacast: a successful collaboration

One limitation: Forecast lead time Image: ODFW

Perceptions: Risk & Uncertainty

Data users Data providers

Research Questions

•  What are the main similarities & differences in data providers’ and data users’ comfort with uncertainty and risk around the ocean and ocean condition forecasting?

•  How does data providers’ comfort with uncertainty and perception of risk impact the accessibility of ocean condition forecasts to data users?

•  How does the accessibility of ocean forecast data impact the data users’ comfort with uncertainty, perceived risks, and their ability to cope?

Data collection: Qualitative Methods

•  Open-ended and semi-structured interviews •  Lets participant tell their own story •  Risk assessment line of inquiry

•  Exposure •  Effect •  Mitigation

Participant Selection

Data Users •  Commercial fishing community

from Newport, OR

Data Providers •  Academic and agency modelers

and forecasters

Bringing it back to the questions…

Data Providers

Data Users

Perceptions Accessibility Ability to Cope

Anticipated Themes

•  Time/Space

•  Scale •  Usability

•  Accuracy vs Interpretation

•  Trust

•  Objective vs subjective risk

Phillip Colla Oceanlight.com

Broader Implications

•  Science communication •  Uncertainty

•  Improved risk management •  Collaboration between these groups

•  Sharing knowledge •  Agency objectives

Questions?

Thank you Space Grant!