%0 Journal Article %T Creating Effective Partnerships in Ecosystem-Based Management: A Culture of Science and Management %A Carlie S. Wiener %A Malia A. J. Rivera %A Robert J. Toonen %A Jo-Ann C. Leong %A Randall K. Kosaki %A Stephen Karl %A Kaylene Keller %A Hoku Johnson %J Journal of Marine Biology %D 2011 %I Hindawi Publishing Corporation %R 10.1155/2011/241610 %X An ecosystem-based management research partnership between the Hawaiˇ®i Institute of Marine Biology and Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, specifically with the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve and, later, the Papah¨ˇnaumoku¨ˇkea Marine National Monument, provides a case study to analyze integration of scientific research into management plans through collaborative communications. Ecosystem-based management seeks input from disparate stakeholders and requires effective communication systems for the public, science, and management partners that bypass differences in organizational culture and communication styles. Here, we examine a successful partnership within the framework of ecosystem-based management to survey and evaluate cultural differences, understand what facilitates collaborative communication, highlight factors that impede a successful partnership, and identify areas for improvement. Effective communication has been achieved through an analysis of the organizations cultures and structures to better define communication links. Although specific differences were noted in organization and style, successful integration was accomplished through techniques such as the development of symposia and semiannual reports. This paper will explore the organizational culture analysis and structure evaluation, which are components of a larger study. This science management integration project is an example of how organizational analysis can lead to recommendations for improved communication and integration of science and management. 1. Introduction Single-species management has often failed to deal with the multitude of issues associated with complex, isolated, and large ecosystems. To address this, ecosystem-based management (EBM) has emerged, which uses a holistic perspective to focus protection on a large area as opposed to specific species. Marine EBM has now been broadly accepted in policy, science, and management as crucial for effective marine conservation and resource preservation [1¨C5]. A key component to successful EBM programs is the integration of science into the management process. Since EBM has grown at such a rapid pace, it is necessary to ensure that the practices of science and management work together. This is often a challenge because each operates by and responds to different mandates, time scales, and authorities. The science-policy continuum can be improved through practical management strategies that are capable of incorporating policy-relevant research [6]. EBM relies heavily on scientific inquiry for an %U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jmb/2011/241610/