Profiles
Karen Alexander
Karen Alexander
Senior Lecturer
Room 113.13 , IMAS Waterfront
Dr. Karen Alexander is a Senior Lecturer in the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies and the Centre for Marine Socioecology. She combines human geography and environmental sociology to investigate the interactions between communities/societies and the marine environment. Karen’s work focuses specifically on natural resource conflict and marine governance, and she is the author of Conflicts over Marine and Coastal Common Resources. She specialises in human dimension issues relating to marine spatial planning and the transition to a blue economy. Recently, her research has focused on societal support for emerging and expanding marine industries such as offshore renewable energy and aquaculture.
Biography
Before joining the University of Tasmania in 2016, Karen was a research associate in marine social science at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS). In this role, Karen worked on a number of EU-wide projects including the KnowSeas project (www.msfd.eu) which focused upon knowledge-based sustainable management of Europe's regional seas; and the IDREEM project where she led a work package investigating the social impacts of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA). In addition, Karen held a UK Research Council funded Knowledge Exchange Fellowship in sustainable aquaculture where she worked at the interface between research and industry. Karen also led a summer school on Marine Renewables and Society as part of the IDCORE programme (www.idcore.ac.uk) and a module in the Erasmus + Joint Master Degree in Aquaculture, Environment and Society (ACES)(www.sams.ac.uk/erasmus-master-aquaculture) which she will continue to teach as a guest lecturer.
Career summary
Qualifications
PhD | Offshore power production and marine stakeholders: from understanding conflict to impact mitigation. | University of the Highlands and Islands/University of Aberdeen | UK | 2012 |
MSc | Environmental Governance | University of Manchester | UK | 2009 |
BA (Hons) | Politics & Sociology | University of Strathclyde | UK | 2002 |
Teaching
Marine social science, marine governance, social impacts of marine industry, rapid policy network analysis, Ecopath with Ecosim
Teaching expertise
Karen has previously developed and led a two-week summer school on Marine Renewables and Society as part of the D.Eng IDCORE programme (www.idcore.ac.uk) and a developed and led a module on aquaculture governance in the Erasmus + Joint Master Degree in Aquaculture, Environment and Society (ACES)
(www.sams.ac.uk/erasmus-master-aquaculture). She also has expertise in teaching at undergraduate level on marine policy, societal aspects of fisheries and spatial ecosystem modelling using Ecopath with Ecosim and Ecospace.
View more on Dr Karen Alexander in WARP
Expertise
Marine governance
Ecosystem-based management
Marine policy & legislation
Marine spatial planning
Fisheries, aquaculture and marine renewables
Social license
Stakeholder facilitation
Qualitative and quantitative social science Ecosystem modelling
Research Themes
Karen's research spans a number of the University's research themes including Culture and Society; Marine, Antarctic and Maritime; and Environment, Resources and Sustainability. Karen's research interests include identifying and understanding those aspects of governance that can act as incentives or barriers to marine ecosystem-based management (EBM). This includes analysis of policies and legislation, analysis of tools and approaches, and working with marine stakeholders. Through her Research Fellowship in the Centre for Marine Socioecology, Karen will focus upon regional ecosystem-based coastal management, identifying the constraints that have prevented implementation of an integrated EBM approach in the South East Tasmania region thus far and developing a framework for EBM at the regional level.
Video
Fields of Research
- Human geography (440699)
- Environmental sociology (441002)
- Environmental management (410404)
Research Objectives
- Assessment and management of coastal and estuarine ecosystems (180201)
- Aquaculture fin fish (excl. tuna) (100202)
- Expanding knowledge in human society (280123)
Publications
Karen has published papers on a range of topics including stakeholder and general public perceptions relating to the marine environment, marine spatial planning, marine governance and ecosystem modelling. Many of her papers have been published in top-tier journals including PLoS ONE, Ecology and Society and Marine Policy. Karen is also a regular invited reviewer for a range of journals.
Total publications
56
Journal Article
(46 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Boothroyd A, Adams V, Alexander K, Hill N, 'Benefits and risks of incremental protected area planning in the Southern Ocean', Nature Sustainability pp. 1-13. ISSN 2398-9629 (2023) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1038/s41893-023-01077-w [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Boothroyd A; Adams V; Hill N | |
| 2023 | Condie CM, Alexander KA, Fulton EA, Vince J, 'Polarised perspectives in salmon aquaculture warrant a targeted long-term approach to communication', Aquaculture Reports, 30 Article 101557. ISSN 2352-5134 (2023) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.aqrep.2023.101557 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Fulton EA; Vince J | |
| 2023 | Fudge M, Ogier E, Alexander KA, 'Marine and coastal places: wellbeing in a blue economy', Environmental Science and Policy, 144 pp. 64-73. ISSN 1462-9011 (2023) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2023.03.002 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Fudge M; Ogier E | |
| 2022 | Alexander KA, Marx K, Hunt L, Zhang M, 'Antarctic representation in print media during the emergence of COVID-19', Antarctic Science pp. 1-11. ISSN 0954-1020 (2022) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1017/S0954102022000049 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Marx K; Hunt L; Zhang M | |
| 2022 | Condie CM, Alexander KA, Fulton EA, Vince J, Condie SA, 'Reducing socio‑ecological conflict using social influence modelling', Scientific Reports, 12 pp. 1-11. ISSN 2045-2322 (2022) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26570-8 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 1 Co-authors: Fulton EA; Vince J; Condie SA | |
| 2022 | Condie CM, Vince J, Alexander KA, 'The long-term evolution of news media in defining socio-ecological conflict: a case study of expanding aquaculture', Marine Policy, 138 Article 104988. ISSN 0308-597X (2022) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2022.104988 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 3 Co-authors: Vince J | |
| 2022 | Farmery AK, Alexander K, Anderson K, Blanchard JL, Carter CG, et al., 'Food for all: designing sustainable and secure future seafood systems', Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 32 pp. 101-121. ISSN 0960-3166 (2022) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s11160-021-09663-x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 19Web of Science - 20 Co-authors: Farmery AK; Anderson K; Blanchard JL; Carter CG; Evans K; Fleming A; Frusher S; Fulton EA; Haas B; MacLeod CK; Nash KL; Pecl GT; Rousseau Y; Trebilco R; Van Putten IE; Greeno D; Watson R; Nowak B | |
| 2022 | Pecl GT, Alexander KA, Melbourne-Thomas J, Novaglio C, Villanueva C, et al., 'Future Seas 2030: pathways to sustainability for the UN Ocean Decade and beyond', Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 32 pp. 1-7. ISSN 0960-3166 (2022) [Letter or Note in Journal] DOI: 10.1007/s11160-022-09705-y [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 1Web of Science - 1 Co-authors: Pecl GT; Melbourne-Thomas J; Novaglio C; Villanueva C; Nash KL | |
| 2021 | Alexander KA, Fleming A, Bax N, Garcia C, Jansen J, et al., 'Equity of our future oceans: practices and outcomes in marine science research', Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 32 pp. 297-311. ISSN 0960-3166 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s11160-021-09661-z [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 8Web of Science - 9 Co-authors: Fleming A; Bax N; Garcia C; Jansen J; Pecl GT; Shaw J; Syme G; Ogier E | |
| 2021 | Bax N, Novaglio C, Maxwell KH, Meyers K, McCann J, et al., 'Ocean resource use: building the coastal blue economy', Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 32 pp. 189-207. ISSN 0960-3166 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s11160-021-09636-0 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 27Web of Science - 22 Co-authors: Bax N; Novaglio C; Jennings S; Frusher S; Fulton EA; Anderson K; Layton C; Emad GR; Rousseau Y; Carter CG | |
| 2021 | Condie CM, Vince JZ, Alexander KA, 'Increasing polarisation in attitudes to aquaculture: Evidence from sequential government inquiries', Marine Policy, 136 pp. 1-8. ISSN 1872-9460 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2021.104867 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 11Web of Science - 5 Co-authors: Vince JZ | |
| 2021 | Fudge M, Alexander K, Ogier E, Leith P, Haward M, 'A critique of the participation norm in marine governance: bringing legitimacy into the frame', Environmental Science and Policy, 126 pp. 31-38. ISSN 1462-9011 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2021.09.015 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 6Web of Science - 4 Co-authors: Fudge M; Ogier E; Leith P; Haward M | |
| 2021 | Haas B, Mackay M, Novaglio C, Fullbrook L, Murunga M, et al., 'The future of ocean governance', Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 32 pp. 253-270. ISSN 0960-3166 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s11160-020-09631-x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 27Web of Science - 28 Co-authors: Haas B; Mackay M; Novaglio C; Fullbrook L; Murunga M; Sbrocchi C; McDonald J; McCormack PC; Fudge M; Goldsworthy LD; McGee J; Rousseau Y; Spain E; Vince J; Wilcox C; Haward M | |
| 2021 | Kelly R, Evans K, Alexander K, Bettiol S, Corney S, et al., 'Connecting to the oceans: supporting ocean literacy and public engagement', Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 32 pp. 123-143. ISSN 0960-3166 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s11160-020-09625-9 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 36Web of Science - 37 Co-authors: Kelly R; Bettiol S; Corney S; Cullen-Knox C; Cvitanovic C; de Salas K; Emad GR; Fullbrook L; Garcia C; Ling S; MacLeod C; Meyer A; Murunga M; Nash KL; Norris K; Oellermann M; Scott J; Wood G; Pecl GT | |
| 2021 | Nash KL, Alexander K, Melbourne-Thomas J, Novaglio C, Sbrocchi C, et al., 'Developing achievable alternate futures for key challenges during the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development', Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 32 pp. 19-36. ISSN 0960-3166 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s11160-020-09629-5 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 17Web of Science - 23 Co-authors: Nash KL; Melbourne-Thomas J; Novaglio C; Villanueva C; Pecl GT | |
| 2021 | Nash KL, Van Putten I, Alexander KA, Bettiol S, Cvitanovic C, et al., 'Oceans and society: feedbacks between ocean and human health', Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries pp. 1-27. ISSN 1573-5184 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s11160-021-09669-5 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 11Web of Science - 12 Co-authors: Nash KL; Van Putten I; Bettiol S; Cvitanovic C; Farmery AK; Flies EJ; Kelly R; Mackay M; Norris K; Scott J; Ward D; Vince J | |
| 2020 | Alexander KA, Amundsen VS, Osmundsen TC, ' Social stuff' and all that jazz: understanding the residual category of social sustainability', Environmental Science and Policy, 112 pp. 61-68. ISSN 1462-9011 (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2020.06.003 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 10Web of Science - 9 | |
| 2020 | Alexander KA, Liggett D, Leane E, Nielsen HEF, Bailey JL, et al., 'What and who is an Antarctic ambassador?', Polar Record, 55, (6) pp. 497-506. ISSN 0032-2474 (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1017/S0032247420000194 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 10Web of Science - 8 Co-authors: Leane E; Nielsen HEF; Brasier MJ; Haward M | |
| 2020 | Chikudza L, Guazente C, Guillotreau P, Alexander KA, 'Producer perceptions of the incentives and challenges of adopting ecolabels in the European finfish aquaculture industry: a Q-methodology approach', Marine Policy, 121 Article 104176. ISSN 0308-597X (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2020.104176 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 5Web of Science - 5 | |
| 2020 | Fudge M, Ogier E, Alexander KA, 'Emerging functions of the wellbeing concept in regional development scholarship: a review', Environmental Science and Policy, 115 pp. 143-150. ISSN 1462-9011 (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2020.10.005 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 6Web of Science - 5 Co-authors: Fudge M; Ogier E | |
| 2020 | Osmundsen TC, Amundsen VS, Alexander KA, Asche F, Bailey J, et al., 'The operationalisation of sustainability: sustainable aquaculture production as defined by certification schemes', Global Environmental Change, 60 Article 102025. ISSN 0959-3780 (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2019.102025 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 62Web of Science - 54 | |
| 2020 | Subramaniam RC, Melbourne-Thomas J, Corney SP, Alexander K, Peron C, et al., 'Time-dynamic food web modeling to explore environmental drivers of ecosystem change on the Kerguelen Plateau', Frontiers in Marine Science, 7 Article 641. ISSN 2296-7745 (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2020.00641 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 6Web of Science - 4 Co-authors: Subramaniam RC; Melbourne-Thomas J; Corney SP; Swadling KM | |
| 2019 | Graziano M, Alexander KA, Liesch M, Lema E, Torres JA, 'Understanding an emerging economic discourse through regional analysis: Blue Economy clusters in the U.S. Great Lakes basin', Applied Geography, 105 pp. 111-123. ISSN 0143-6228 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.apgeog.2019.02.013 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 23Web of Science - 19 | |
| 2019 | O'Higgins T, Alexander K, Graziano M, 'Mismatches in spatial scale of supply and demand and their consequences for local welfare in Scottish aquaculture', Anthropocene Coasts, 2, (1) pp. 261-278. ISSN 2561-4150 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1139/anc-2018-0025 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 3Web of Science - 2 | |
| 2019 | Stephenson RL, Hobday AJ, Cvitanovic C, Alexander KA, Begg GA, et al., 'A practical framework for implementing and evaluating integrated management of marine activities', Ocean and Coastal Management, 177 pp. 127-138. ISSN 0964-5691 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2019.04.008 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 48Web of Science - 46 Co-authors: Hobday AJ; Cvitanovic C; Frusher S; Fudge ME; Fulton EA; Haward M; Macleod C; McDonald J; Nash KL; Ogier E; Pecl G; Plaganyi EE; van Putten I; Smith T; Ward TM | |
| 2019 | Strain EMA, Alexander KA, Kienker S, Morris R, Jarvis R, et al., 'Urban blue: a global analysis of the factors shaping people's perceptions of the marine environment and ecological engineering in harbours', Science of The Total Environment, 658 pp. 1293-1305. ISSN 0048-9697 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.285 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 31Web of Science - 29 Co-authors: Strain EMA | |
| 2019 | Strain EMA, Morris RL, Bishop MJ, Tanner E, Steinberg P, et al., 'Building blue infrastructure: assessing the key environmental issues and priority areas for ecological engineering initiatives in Australia's metropolitan embayments', Journal of Environmental Management, 230 pp. 488-496. ISSN 0301-4797 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.09.047 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 16Web of Science - 14 Co-authors: Strain EMA; MacLeod C | |
| 2018 | Alexander KA, Freeman S, Angel DL, 'Public attitudes and decision making in environmental resource planning a perception gap', Environmental Science and Policy, 80 pp. 38-43. ISSN 1462-9011 (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2017.11.012 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 6Web of Science - 6 | |
| 2018 | Alexander KA, Haward M, 'The human side of marine ecosystem-based management (EBM): sectoral interplay' as a challenge to implementing EBM', Marine Policy, 101 pp. 33-38. ISSN 0308-597X (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2018.12.019 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 29Web of Science - 25 Co-authors: Haward M | |
| 2018 | Alexander KA, Hobday AJ, Cvitanovic C, Ogier E, Nash KL, et al., 'Progress in integrating natural and social science in marine ecosystem-based management research', Marine and Freshwater Research, 70, (1) pp. 71-83. ISSN 1323-1650 (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/MF17248 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 41Web of Science - 41 Co-authors: Hobday AJ; Cvitanovic C; Ogier E; Nash KL; Cottrell RS; Fleming A; Fudge M; Fulton EA; Frusher S; Kelly R; MacLeod CK; Pecl GT; van Putten I; Vince J; Watson RA | |
| 2018 | Graziano M, Fox CJ, Alexander K, Pita C, Heymans JJ, et al., 'Environmental and socio-political shocks to the seafood sector: what does this mean for resilience? Lessons from two UK case studies, 1945-2016', Marine Policy, 87 pp. 301-313. ISSN 0308-597X (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2017.10.014 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 8Web of Science - 6 | |
| 2018 | Kienker SE, Coleman RA, Morris RL, Steinberg P, Bollard B, et al., 'Bringing harbours alive: assessing the importance of eco-engineered coastal infrastructure for different stakeholders and cities', Marine Policy, 94 pp. 238-246. ISSN 0308-597X (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2018.04.028 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 16Web of Science - 16 Co-authors: Strain EMA | |
| 2017 | Alexander KA, Graziano M, 'Marine spatial planning: scale mismatches in a complex (regional) seascape', Regional Studies Association. Regions, 307, (3) pp. 15-16. ISSN 1367-3882 (2017) [Non Refereed Article] | |
| 2017 | Alexander KA, Hughes AD, 'A problem shared: technology transfer and development in European integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA)', Aquaculture, 473 pp. 13-19. ISSN 0044-8486 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2017.01.029 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 14Web of Science - 13 | |
| 2016 | Alexander KA, Angel D, Freeman S, Israel D, Johansen J, et al., 'Improving sustainability of aquaculture in Europe: stakeholder dialogues on Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA)', Environmental Science and Policy, 55, (Part 1) pp. 96-106. ISSN 1462-9011 (2016) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2015.09.006 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 49Web of Science - 43 | |
| 2016 | Alexander KA, Freeman S, Potts T, 'Navigating uncertain waters: European public perceptions of integrated multi trophic aquaculture (IMTA)', Environmental Science and Policy, 61 pp. 230-237. ISSN 1462-9011 (2016) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2016.04.020 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 36Web of Science - 36 | |
| 2016 | Alexander KA, Meyjes SA, Heymans JJ, 'Spatial ecosystem modelling of marine renewable energy installations: gauging the utility of Ecospace', Ecological Modelling, 331 pp. 115-128. ISSN 0304-3800 (2016) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2016.01.016 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 23Web of Science - 23 | |
| 2015 | Alexander KA, Heymans JJ, Magill S, Tomczak MT, Holmes SJ, et al., 'Investigating the recent decline in gadoid stocks in the west of Scotland shelf ecosystem using a foodweb model', ICES Journal of Marine Science, 72, (2) pp. 436-449. ISSN 1054-3139 (2015) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1093/icesjms/fsu149 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 36Web of Science - 34 | |
| 2015 | Alexander KA, Kershaw P, Cooper P, Gilbert AJ, Hall-Spencer JM, et al., 'Challenges of achieving Good Environmental Status in the Northeast Atlantic', Ecology and Society, 20, (1) Article 49. ISSN 1708-3087 (2015) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.5751/ES-07394-200149 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 10Web of Science - 10 | |
| 2015 | Alexander KA, Potts TP, Freeman S, Israel D, Johansen J, et al., 'The implications of aquaculture policy and regulation for the development of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture in Europe', Aquaculture, 443 pp. 16-23. ISSN 0044-8486 (2015) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2015.03.005 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 47Web of Science - 45 | |
| 2015 | Gilbert AJ, Alexander K, Sarda R, Brazinskaite R, Fischer C, et al., 'Marine spatial planning and Good Environmental Status: a perspective on spatial and temporal dimensions', Ecology and Society, 20, (1) Article 64. ISSN 1708-3087 (2015) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.5751/ES-06979-200164 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 24Web of Science - 23 | |
| 2015 | Janssen R, Arciniegas G, Alexander KA, 'Decision support tools for collaborative marine spatial planning: identifying potential sites for tidal energy devices around the Mull of Kintyre, Scotland', Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 58, (4) pp. 719-737. ISSN 0964-0568 (2015) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2014.887561 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 20Web of Science - 21 | |
| 2014 | Raymond CM, Kenter JO, Plieninger T, Turner NJ, Alexander KA, 'Comparing instrumental and deliberative paradigms underpinning the assessment of social values for cultural ecosystem services', Ecological Economics, 107 pp. 145-156. ISSN 0921-8009 (2014) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2014.07.033 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 152Web of Science - 143 Co-authors: Raymond CM | |
| 2013 | Alexander KA, Potts T, Wilding TA, 'Marine renewable energy and Scottish west coast fishers: exploring impacts, opportunities and potential mitigation', Ocean & Coastal Management, 75 pp. 1-10. ISSN 0964-5691 (2013) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2013.01.005 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 33Web of Science - 28 | |
| 2013 | Alexander KA, Wilding TA, Heymans JJ, 'Attitudes of Scottish fishers towards marine renewable energy', Marine Policy, 37 pp. 239-244. ISSN 0308-597X (2013) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2012.05.005 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 55Web of Science - 52 | |
| 2012 | Alexander KA, Janssen R, Arciniegas G, O'Higgins TG, Eikelboom T, et al., 'Interactive marine spatial planning: siting tidal energy arrays around the Mull of Kintyre', PLoS ONE, 7, (1) Article e30031. ISSN 1932-6203 (2012) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030031 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 69Web of Science - 59 |
Book
(1 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Alexander KA, 'Conflicts over Marine and Coastal Common Resources: Causes, Governance, and Prevention', Routledge, London, pp. 164. ISBN 9781138635258 (2019) [Authored Research Book] DOI: 10.4324/9781315206424 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 9 |
Chapter in Book
(4 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Alexander K, Graziano M, 'Scale mismatches: Old friends and new seascapes in a planning regime', Towards Coastal Resilience and Sustainability, Routledge, CP Heidkamp, J Morrissey (ed), Australia, pp. 230-247. ISBN 9780815358633 (2019) [Research Book Chapter] | |
| 2019 | Morris RL, Heery EC, Loke LHL, Lau E, Strain EMA, et al., 'Design Options, Implementation Issues and Evaluating Success of Ecologically Engineered Shorelines', Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review, Taylor & Francis Ltd, SJ Hawkins, AL Allcock, AE Bates, LB Firth, IP Smith, SE Swearer and PA Todd (ed), Boca Raton, Florida, pp. 169-228. ISBN 9780367134150 (2019) [Research Book Chapter] DOI: 10.1201/9780429026379 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Strain EMA | |
| 2018 | Alexander KA, Janssen R, O'Higgins TG, 'Siting offshore energy arrays: A case study using interactive marine planning', Offshore Energy and Marine Spatial Planning, Routledge, KL Yates, CJA Bradshaw (ed), London, pp. 274-283. ISBN 9781138954533 (2018) [Research Book Chapter] | |
| 2017 | Alexander K, Brennan R, Kenter J, 'Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Stewardship', The Science and Practice of Landscape Stewardship, Cambridge University Press, C Bieling, T Plieninger (ed), United Kingdom, pp. 265-280. ISBN 9781107142268 (2017) [Research Book Chapter] DOI: 10.1017/9781316499016.027 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 1 |
Review
(1 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Alexander K, 'Big, bold and blue: lessons from Australia's marine protected areas, edited by James Fitzsimons and Geoff Westcott, Melbourne, CSIRO Publishing, 2016, 402 pp', Australian Journal of Maritime & Ocean Affairs, 8, (4) pp. 308-309. ISSN 1836-6503 (2016) [Review Single Work] |
Contract Report, Consultant's Report
(3 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Alexander KA, Abernathy KE, 'Determinants of socially-supported wild-catch fisheries and aquaculture in Australia; FRDC Project No 2017-158', Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Hobart, Tasmania, January (2019) [Contract Report] | |
| 2015 | Potts T, Alexander K, O'Higgins T, MacLucas N, Logan K, et al., 'Supporting Marine Spatial Planning with Local Socio- Economic Data (MSP-LED)', Scottish Government, CREW (Scotland's Centre of Expertise for Waters), Scotland (2015) [Contract Report] | |
| 2014 | Alexander KA, Gatward I, Parker A, Black K, Boardman A, et al., 'An assessment of the benefits to Scotland of aquaculture', Scottish Government, Imani and SRSL, Scotland (2014) [Contract Report] |
Major Creative Work
(1 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Alexander K, Barrett JA, McCormack F, Nieboer M, Rosevear M, 'Indelible Antarctica', UTAS, Mawson Exhibition Space (2018) [Other Exhibition] Co-authors: Barrett JA; McCormack F; Nieboer M; Rosevear M |
Grants & Funding
Funding Summary
Number of grants
10
Total funding
Projects
- Description
- Marine spatial planning (MSP) has emerged in recent years as a tool for sea use management. However, MSP requires adequate and accurate information on the biophysical state and usage of the marine environment. Such data often exists, but generally not in a format which allows planning areas and priorities to be easily identified. This proposal was developed in response to a Request for Quote by the Centre for Marine Socioecology for the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), Victorian Government, to undertake a Statewide Assessment as detailed in the title. Substantial consultation will be required with direct project stakeholders as the identification of available data, development of secondary data, the identification of planning areas, and the options for a decision-support tool will be a dynamic and co-created process. As such, the project methodology is participatory or co-production research in which the most directly affected stakeholders are involved directly in generating research objectives, guiding analysis and outputs. The project comprises 3 stages: Stage 1: Evaluation of provided spatial datasets and critical gap analysis; Stage 2: Identification of location, size, and boundaries of marine planning areas; Stage 3: Recommendation and implementation of a decision support tool. The work is proposed by a strong team. CI Alexander has substantial project management experience, as well as expertise in MSP and previous experience with the Victorian Marine Spatial Planning process (gave keynote address at initial MSP summit). She is also leading a similar (although more substantial) project being currently undertaken in Tasmania. Co-I's Lacherite and Adams have excellent skills in spatial data analysis which are key to undertaking the assessment. Co-I Fudge has extensive experience with stakeholder engagement, and with engagement with Original Custodians. Co-I Byers has recently been appointed as a Research Fellow in Marine Data Science and will offer research assistance to this project.
- Funding
- Dept of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (Vic) ($94,781)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Alexander KA; Lacharite M; Adams VM; Fudge ME; Byers R
- Year
- 2021
- Description
- The objective of the MB-CRC is to transform Australia's emerging marine bioproducts sector into a globally competitive industry. The focus will be on the industry and market-driven innovations to improve both the supply chain and value chain to deliver economies of scale and competitive capacity for Australia to access high value markets across the globe.Strategic alignment:From Tasmania and for Tasmania: A revolution in use of sustainable marine resources, the use of innovative bioprocessing technologies and the exploitation of local Tasmanian bioproducts with a global impact Human Health and nutrition: Marine derived products will improve human health and nutritionEconomic performance: Create regional competitive advantage for the marine bioproducts sector and new businesses through the industry problems we solve. Lift the economic performance of the State on manufacturing and bioresources usage.Environmental sustainability: providing aquaculture and agriculture industries with different market optionsEducational attainment: Students will be strongly involved in the development of the projects, aligned with Tasmania as a STEM State to collaborate with industry, business and government to translate knowledge into practical and productive outcomes.
- Funding
- Department of Industry, Innovation and Science ($59,000,000)
- Scheme
- CRC Programme
- Administered By
- Marine Bioproducts CRC
- Research Team
- Zhang W; Johnson CR; Hurd CL; Bolch CJS; MacLeod C; Nowak BF; Wright JT; White CA; Paull B; Smith SM; Thickett SCV; Smith JA; Quirino JP; Swarts ND; Newstead T; Grimmer EL; Nichols RL; Rajaguru R; Guven N; Alexander KA
- Period
- 2021 - 2030
- Description
- This project aims to assess the global and local consequences of changing feeds in aquaculture by developing a new interdisciplinary sustainability assessment framework. The project expects to generate new methods to understand and predict local farm-to-ecosystem changes and global environmental footprints under contrasting feed and climate scenarios by integrating field data with novel experiments, modelling techniques and global mapping of terrestrial and marine feed raw materials and their impacts. Expected outcomes include new methods to assess ecological, social and economic trade-offs under different feeds to inform decision making in support of an ecosystem-based approach to aquaculture spanning global to local scales.
- Funding
- Australian Research Council ($720,000)
- Scheme
- Grant-Linkage Projects Round 1
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Blanchard JL; Cameron D; Halpern B; Carter CG; MacLeod C; Adams LR; Leith PB; Bowman JP; Alexander KA; Penrose B
- Period
- 2020 - 2024
- Grant Reference
- LP200100404
- Description
- In order to secure the future of Australian aquaculture, it is increasingly clear that, alongside effective and responsible production, building and maintaining community support is vital. The Tasmanian salmon industry is acutely aware of the need to garner and maintain societal support. A number of factors contribute towards the achievement of community acceptability (or 'social license to operate'). These include: the perception that a company offers benefits; that it contributes to the well-being of the region, respects the local way of life and acts fairly; that it listens, responds and exhibits reciprocity; and that relations are based on an enduring regard for each other's interests. Many of these factors are based on understanding, and contributing towards the achievement of, that which is valued by local and regional communities. This project aims to understand the regional development and well-being futures envisaged by residents of NW Tasmania and how salmonid farming can contribute to meeting these shared values.
- Funding
- Fisheries Research & Development Corporation ($172,996)
- Scheme
- Grant-Annual Open Call Round
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Alexander KA; Ogier EM; Evans JD; Fudge ME
- Period
- 2019 - 2021
- Description
- This project will develop a sustainable Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) model that supports commercial seaweed production. To do this, the research will i) define the seaweed culture proposition (identify species, growing techniques and products) and ii) develop a regionally relevant IMTA partnership model that brings together salmon, shellfish and seaweed producers to ensure economic, environmental and societal benefits.
- Funding
- Department of Industry, Innovation and Science ($2,385,067)
- Collaborators
- Deakin University ($175,032); Spring Bay Seafoods Pty Ltd ($60,898); Tassal Ltd ($300,656)
- Scheme
- CRC-P
- Administered By
- Tassal Ltd
- Research Team
- MacLeod C; Hurd CL; Alexander KA; Bellgrove A; Evans B; Sanderson C
- Period
- 2019 - 2022
- Description
- Sustainable growth in the Norwegian aquaculture industry presupposes stronger social anchoring both nationally and locally. Media analysis of the public debate on aquaculture in Norway shows that aquaculture activities are often criticized, and that disapproval is voiced from a mix of different interest groups. Improving social approval for aquaculture is a two-way process where society's knowledge about and understanding of the aquaculture industry need to be strengthened, while the industry must acknowledge its social responsibility and respond to signals from society. While we do know that the industry's social anchorage in Norway is surprisingly weak compared to other types of food production, we have less knowledge of how social approval and trust towards the industry is distributed in the public, how/whether this is linked to misconceptions, lack of knowledge, poor dialogue between the industry and the public, and/or different values. To understand the foundation for social license for aquaculture in Norway, we propose to investigate the characteristics of trust towards aquaculture activities and public regulation on a national (macro) level, distinguishing between society-industry-government, rural-urban, and centre-periphery dimensions. At the meso level, we will investigate mediatized environmental conflicts as these have been enacted in the Norwegian public arena in recent years. Finally, the investigation will include the micro level - focusing the analytical lens on specific coastal communities where aquaculture is minor or major part of the industrial structure, and where economic effects are particularly visible. SoLic will focus on the context of Norwegian aquaculture but will also include smaller comparative cases in Australia and Iceland.Social license for Tasmanian aquaculture has been an ongoing research focus over the last two years, through research funded by the Human Dimensions sub-program of the Fisheries Research Development Corporation, amongst others. There is a wealth of information available that is currently not directly or easily transferable. It requires collation and synthesis to identify the determinants of social license, as well as the mechanisms that strengthens/diminishes a social license, the consequences, and the possible strategies industry applies. This project will draw together knowledge from existing research projects, literature and documentation, and use key informant interviews to address gaps. A case study approach will be used to address the question: How does social license (or a lack of) play out in Tasmanian salmon aquaculture? A single-case study design will be used (to understand social license at the state level), but with multiple embedded units of analysis (i.e. cases at the local level). Two key analytical techniques will be used: explanation building and logic models. These will be validated by expert informants.
- Funding
- The Research Council of Norway ($65,369)
- Scheme
- Grant
- Administered By
- NTNU Samfunnsforskning AS
- Research Team
- Osmundsen T; Tvetras R; Alexander KA
- Period
- 2019 - 2022
- Description
- The fisheries and aquaculture industries are increasingly and acutely aware of the need to garner societal support, but unsure of how to address poor societal support at its root, who needs to be involved to address the problem, and effective pathways to improving societal support. However, there is a wealth of information available to address these gaps, including learnings from international fisheries and aquaculture, and the historical successes and failures within Australia. This project will draw together knowledge from existing literature and key informant interviews, and deliver the findings to industry in an appropriate, practical, and applicable format. The objectives of this research are to: 1. Define societal support; 2. Identify determining factors (internal and external) affecting societal support; Identify means by which to detect, assess and monitor societal support; and 4. Identify successful engagement behaviours and interventions.
- Funding
- Fisheries Research & Development Corporation ($67,833)
- Scheme
- Grant
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Alexander KA; Abernethy K
- Year
- 2018
- Description
- Questions of how to interact with marine predators in terms of food production have never been more pressing. Healthy top predator populations are essential for regulating the mechanisms that promote biodiversity, ecosystem function and resilience (Rooney, McCann et al. 2006, Estes, Terborgh et al. 2011, Ripple, Estes et al. 2014, Lynam, Llope et al. 2017). However, interactions between predators and human food producers present various challenges (Carter and Linnell 2016, Nyhus 2016). Effects on marine wildlife range from bycatch to resource competition, to direct persecution. Conversely, carnivores can prey directly on livestock or fish corralled by humans, compete for resources, damage gear and infrastructure, and pose risks to human safety. Given that global demand for seafood is projected to increase (Smith, Roheim et al. 2010), anthropogenic climate change will impact fisheries catches (Barange, Merino et al. 2014), and that many global fish stocks are already overfished (Pikitch 2012), these challenges are likely to intensify into the future. The convergence of these factors creates a brewing storm of human wildlife conflict. Developing methods of interacting with wildlife while producing food from the ocean, that promote sustainable coexistence, is paramount to their long-term conservation.Interactions between seals, wild fisheries and aquaculture are a longstanding issue in Tasmania. While social, economic, and political dimensions influence the way society approaches seal-fishery interactions, an understanding of the relevant ecological dynamics of the species in question should be equally influential in this regard. Yet we currently understand very little about the way the Australian fur seal, Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus, uses the Tasmanian marine environment. Developing an understanding of the foraging ecology of this species in the region represents an opportunity to inform evidence based, scientific fisheries management policies, as well as to enhance our understanding of the local marine environment. This socioecological project therefore seeks to fill key data gaps in our understanding to the ecology of the species in the region in terms of spatiotemporal habitat use and diet, explore how this information can inform more intelligent management practices, and ask what trade-offs can be agreed upon by multiple and diverse stakeholders to articulate broadly endorsed goals for coexistence.
- Funding
- Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment ($6,735)
- Scheme
- Grant
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Lea MA; Hindell MA; Alderman R; Alexander KA; Cummings CR
- Year
- 2018
- Description
- This research project will investigate the risks, effectiveness, and natural context of the Tasmanian fur seal relocation program using biotelemetry to assess seal movement and foraging behaviour in SE Tasmania.
- Funding
- Tassal Ltd ($234,581)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Lea MA; Hindell MA; Alexander KA; Alderman R
- Year
- 2017
- Description
- The focus of this project is the development of robust indicators for social, economic and environmental aspects of sustainability in aquaculture. A vast number of standards and indicators have been developed worldwide, however little is known about the use of these indicators, nor what aspects are missing/contradictory/overlapping/ inadequate. It is these aspects that this project will address.
- Funding
- Scottish Association of Marine Science ($30,123)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Alexander KA
- Year
- 2016
Research Supervision
Prior to coming to UTAS, Karen has supervised Honours and Masters projects to successful completion on topics such as marine invasive species and marine protected areas. Karen is currently co-supervising a PhD project with colleagues at the University of the Highlands and Islands in Scotland investigating integration in marine and coastal Ecosystem Based Management. She has also previously examined PhD theses. Karen is interested in supervising topics in social aspects of marine management, particularly those relating to the interplay of marine and coastal user and interest groups. For information on a PhD opportunity available with Karen through the Centre for Marine Socioecology, please visit www.marinesocioecology.org
.
Current
3
Completed
4
Current
| Degree | Title | Commenced |
|---|---|---|
| PhD | Clarifying and Optimising the Environmental Benefits of Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture | 2019 |
| PhD | Evaluating the Commercial Viability of IMTA in Australia | 2020 |
| PhD | Conservation Planning in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction: Optimal design and management for Antarctic Marine Protected Areas | 2020 |
Completed
| Degree | Title | Completed |
|---|---|---|
| PhD | Resolving Coastal Tensions or Living with Conflict: What is the fate of Tasmania's coasts? Candidate: Corrine Margaret Condie | 2023 |
| PhD | Understanding Attachment to Remote Places: Insights from a study of Hobart citizens' relationships with Antarctica Candidate: Katrina Jane Marx | 2023 |
| PhD | Dilapidated Huts and Piles of Rocks: The geopolitics of cultural heritage in Antarctica Candidate: Rebecca Elise Hingley | 2021 |
| PhD | Participation and Political Representation: A critique of 'participation' in marine governance Candidate: Maree Elizabeth Fudge | 2019 |