GEMS Project Process

Phase I

GEMS phase I (March 2018-June 2019) focused on oyster reef restoration. Phase I work included:

  • Parsing the variations on oyster reef restoration projects and programs into six clearly defined types (techniques) that would result in similar social and economic outcomes:
  • Developing logic models guided by expert consultation and literature review.
  • Curating an in-depth evidence library (literature review) of oyster reef restoration outcomes that builds from the logic model.
  • Identifying social and economic outcomes from oyster reef restoration using the models.
  • Facilitating in person workshops with practitioners and experts in one focal estuary (see below) in each state to brainstorm lists of possible metrics for these outcomes, and gather feedback on the logic models. View the Phase I Report (below) for more detail on focal estuary oyster reef restoration.
  • Conducting a literature review to add to and refine the list of potential social and economic metrics generated at the workshop.
  • Conducting phone interviews with additional stakeholders and experts to gather additional perspectives on social and economic outcomes and metrics.
  • Facilitating an in-person workshop with experts across the Gulf to assess potential metrics against SMARTs criteria (PDF) with a particular focus on feasibility and prioritize a select set of recommended metrics.
  • Conducting a round of advisory council calls for final feedback on the metrics.
  • Developing descriptions and examples of measurement protocols for each metric

Focal Estuaries

Five focal estuaries, one in each Gulf coast state, were selected to capture the range of ecological and social conditions as well as data availability found across the region. Workshops on oyster reef restoration metrics was hosted at each of these sites with local practitioners and experts. These workshops were held in October and November 2018.

Workshop photos:

workshop
workshop
workshop
workshop

For detail on how focal estuary oyster reef restoration varies across sites, which species are most critical in each estuary, and what are the largest external drivers of the success or failure of restoration (both environmental (e.g., climate) and social (e.g., legal restrictions)) see:

Adobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32.pngGEMS Phase I Report: Oyster Reef Restoration (PDF)

Focal estuaries

Phase II

GEMS phase II (June 2019- ongoing) builds on phase I, taking the critical pieces of the methodology and applying them to a broader spectrum of restoration approaches – including other habitat restoration, recreational enhancement and water quality improvement projects – currently being used or planned across the five U.S. states along the Gulf of Mexico.  

Phase II work so far includes:

  • Parsing the broad suite of restoration projects and programs into clearly defined types (techniques) that would result in similar social and economic outcomes:
  • Developing logic models for each of these guided by expert consultation and literature review.
  • Identifying social and economic outcomes from restoration approaches using the models.
  • Conducting a literature review to identify potential social and economic metrics.
  • Facilitating an in-person workshop with experts across the Gulf to 1) gather feedback on the restoration techniques included for water quality improvement projects (restoration type most different from oyster reef restoration), 2) get input on logic models, 3) clarify social and economic outcomes included, and 3) brainstorm lists of possible metrics.
  • Facilitating virtual workshops with practitioners and experts in each state to assess potential metrics for water quality improvement projects against SMARTs criteria (PDF) with a particular focus on feasibility and prioritize a select set of recommended metrics.
  • Conducting online expert consultation calls with experts across the Gulf to assess potential metrics for other habitat restoration and recreational enhancement projects (restoration types most similar to oyster reef restoration) against SMARTs criteria (PDF) with a particular focus on feasibility and prioritize a select set of recommended metrics.
  • Developing high level guidelines for measurement protocols to allow practitioners to to monitor social and economic outcomes at a project scale.
  • Developing high level guidance for including assessments of equity of access to benefits and equity in distribution of benefits from projects into measurement protocols.