Network Member of the Month: Eric Hartge

Eric Hartge, Research Development Manager, Center for Ocean Solutions. Photo Credit: COS Communications Fellow Kristen Weiss.

Eric Hartge, Research Development Manager, Center for Ocean Solutions. Photo Credit: COS Communications Fellow Kristen Weiss.

The June 2016 Network Member of the Month is:
Eric Hartge.

Eric is the Research Development Manager for the Center for Ocean Solutions in Stanford, CA, where he works to advance the connection between the best available science around coastal and ocean issues with critical leverage points for coastal management policies.

“Specifically, I am interested in ensuring that the natural beauty and services from our coasts and ocean are preserved for future generations,” says Eric.

An interview with the Member of the Month:

What are your job responsibilities?
“My responsibilities are two-fold: 1) I help develop pathways that advance our broad research programs into clearly-defined projects to achieve our organization’s mission; and 2) in addition, I lead a majority of the Center’s Coastal Climate Adaptation work in highlighting the role of natural habitats when prioritizing adaptation strategies.”

Why do you belong to the Network?
“There are so many important and interesting efforts underway throughout the state that it can be difficult to stay up to date. The California Coastal Resilience Network is a great way to join the dialogue on important adaptation work underway throughout the coastal areas of California.”

What do you hope to gain by being a member of the Network and how is being a part of this Network making your job easier?
“As a member of the Network, I can connect with colleagues from throughout the state on important topical issues and learn more about efforts in communities that I do not regularly engage. In addition, I can learn about upcoming events, conferences, and opportunities that are highly relevant to my current projects.”

How does participating in the Network help your work on sea level rise adaptation in California?
“We are in the early stages of a statewide investigation into nature-based adaptation strategies and where they can most feasibly be implemented based on current coastal land use policy. The Network helps me understand the local dynamics for areas that I am less familiar with. Ultimately, this helps ensure that the results from our work are more relevant and salient for local decisions.”