Scyphers Lab at the University of South Alabama
Welcome to the Social-Ecological Sustainability Lab of Associate Professor Steven Scyphers
We study coastal development, fisheries management, and climate adaptation. From a social-ecological systems perspective, our interdisciplinary research is problem-and-solution focused and strives to develop strategies for sustaining both coastal ecosystems and societies.
LATEST UPDATES
New Project on Managing for Biodiversity! Through a new grant from the Lenfest Ocean Program, we are collaborating with Dr. Emmett Duffy at the Smithsonian Institution and Dr. Gabrielle Canonico at NOAA to work on better integrating biodiversity and ecosystem function considerations in environmental management.
New Collaborative Modeling Project funded by NOAA Adaptation Sciences (AdSci)! With a large team of collaborators and community partners, we've received a $300k grant to develop collaborative models on the benefits, consequences, and trade-offs of mangroves and seawalls for coastal communities in the Florida Keys.
New Human Dimensions of Fisheries Projects! With funding from NOAA & Sea Grant, we're launching 3 new projects on Greater Amberjack, depredation, and effective engagement and outreach in fisheries science and management.
WHAT WE STUDY
COLLABORATIVE SCIENCE
The complex dynamics and sustainability challenges of coastal SES cannot be fully understood or solved without effectively integrating communities and key stakeholders. Our research has focused on understanding the costs, benefits, and effectiveness of public participation in science and management. We are particularly interested in participatory modeling and conservation.
SHORELINES
Along coastlines, coastal societies and marine ecosystems represent highly dynamic and critically important social-ecological systems (SES). Our research focuses on understanding the context and consequences of coastal management decisions, with an emphasis on natural, built, and hybrid shorelines.
FISHERIES
Marine and coastal fisheries, another highly dynamic and important SES, support diverse livelihoods, recreational opportunities, and food security. Our research focuses on the human dimensions of fisheries, and we are particularly focused on understanding influences on fishing behavior and the social impacts of fisheries management actions.
DISASTERS
On the front lines of diverse natural and technological hazards, coastal communities are uniquely prone to disasters. Our research has focused on understanding how social-ecological dynamics influence vulnerability, resilience, and recovery. These studies have included the BP Oil Spill, Northeast U.S. groundfish fishery failure, Apalachicola Bay ecosystem collapse, and the impacts of hurricanes on coastal communities. Our most recent work focuses on the impacts of Hurricane Irma in the Florida Keys and St. Maarten.
