Uncovering synergies: Piloting a Network Analysis Approach to Understand Collaboration Efforts for North Atlantic Right Whale Conservation

Abstract

The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) plays a important role in maintaining the balance of the marine Atlantic ecosystem. However, it faces severe threats from fishing gear entanglements, vessel strikes, habitat degradation, and declining reproductive success, making its conservation an urgent priority.

This study, conducted under the Genome Canada Right Whale (GCRW) Project, applies Social Network Analysis (SNA) to enhance conservation efforts by mapping stakeholder interactions and identifying collaboration gaps. The research gathered data from North Atlantic right Whale (NARW) Consortium meetings held between 2021 and 2023, including participant names, affiliations, and years of involvement. This information was used to build a comprehensive collaboration network among individuals and organizations working on NARW conservation. Using Cytoscape software (Shannon et al., 2003), the study visualized stakeholder connections and analyzed knowledge flow through centrality measures and clustering coefficients, highlighting key actors, influential nodes, and isolated entities.

The analysis revealed inconsistencies in stakeholder participation over the three-year period. Government agencies, due to their regulatory roles, exhibited sustained engagement, whereas independent conservationists and Indigenous organizations were notably underrepresented. Additionally, the study identified highly connected stakeholders, or central hubs, who play a pivotal role in decision-making and policy implementation. These findings underscore the need for more inclusive collaboration strategies to ensure diverse representation in conservation efforts.

As stakeholder dynamics evolve, maintaining an up-to-date network becomes essential. This research recommends integrating advanced methodologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to track stakeholder engagement in real time and enhance collaboration efficiency. By offering a data-driven approach to understanding stakeholder influence and engagement, this study provides valuable insights for strengthening conservation strategies. The findings support targeted outreach, improved cross-sector partnerships, and more effective policy interventions, ultimately contributing to the long-term preservation of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale.