Detailed Record



Developing a Community of Practice for Greater Stakeholder Engagement: A Case Study of the Alabama and Mississippi Oyster Industry


Abstract The community of practice concept is an emerging approach designed to increase interactions between stakeholders and may be particularly useful where mistrust and contention exist. Specifically, this practice offers opportunities for improved communication, knowledge sharing, and trust building between groups, with the potential of enhanced collaboration on resource issues. On May 13th, 2023, 54 stakeholders from the Alabama and Mississippi oyster industry met as a community of practice to discuss challenges in the industry in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Discussions from these groups were then used to guide four other community meetings throughout 2023–24. We believe these meetings have provided constructive platforms for enhanced communication over regulation misconceptions, knowledge sharing relating to mitigation strategies for oyster mortality, and trust building between resource managers and users in the oyster industry. Findings are of interest to those working on natural resource issues that could benefit from focused, collaborative exchanges.
Authors Jillian R. Sower , Christopher J. Anderson ORCID , Russell Grice , Kelly H. Dunning University of WyomingORCID
Journal Info Taylor & Francis | Society & Natural Resources , pages: 1 - 14
Publication Date 3/8/2025
ISSN 0894-1920
TypeKeyword Image article
Open Access closed Closed Access
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/08941920.2025.2475500
KeywordsKeyword Image Stakeholder Engagement (Score: 0.61725265) , Community Engagement (Score: 0.5913444)