. Coast watch. Marine resources; Oceanography; Coastal zone management; Coastal ecology. The science of providing advice Photo by Steve Wilson Sea Grant's marine advisory agents know that research is no good if it stays in the laboratory. So, they peddle information and innovations out on the docks, in seafood houses and on the beach. The agents spend some time behind their desks, answering questions and offering advice. But, part of the time, they're out trying to spread the word about new ways to catch fish, to shed crabs, to fiberglass a boat. And, they've learned the value of knowing just
. Coast watch. Marine resources; Oceanography; Coastal zone management; Coastal ecology. The science of providing advice Photo by Steve Wilson Sea Grant's marine advisory agents know that research is no good if it stays in the laboratory. So, they peddle information and innovations out on the docks, in seafood houses and on the beach. The agents spend some time behind their desks, answering questions and offering advice. But, part of the time, they're out trying to spread the word about new ways to catch fish, to shed crabs, to fiberglass a boat. And, they've learned the value of knowing just who to turn to in a community where they're trying to get the word out. They've also learned that it's sometimes hard to find the leaders in a fishing community. Jim Murray, Sea Grant's Marine Advisory Service director, says Jeff Johnson's study of social networks, in- formation flow and the adoption of technology among North Carolina commercial fishermen, will help his team improve the way they do business. "Johnson approached his study in a very scientific way," says Murray. "But our agents can use the study to pinpoint the leaders for themselves. They can make themselves available, ask questions, and find out who the highliner is in a community. With a little digging, they can find ; Murray says the best way to find an opinion leader is by asking around. "You say, 'I've got this idea. Who is the best person to talk to about it.' And, pretty soon, you start hearing one name repeated by most of the fisher- men. "Once you find him, you start dealing with him on a personal basis. You cultivate that relationship," says Jim Murray Johnson's study is more than an assessment of the social networks in Crabtown, North Carolina, says Murray. There are approximately 400 Sea Grant marine advisory agents nationwide. With the help of this study, they'll all be able to do their jobs better, says Murray. Coastwatch is a free newsletter. If you'
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