Aligning social and ecological goals for successful marine restoration

Ecosystem restoration efforts reflect shared human values and a common vision for the future. Consequently, public approval is critical for new restoration initiatives to achieve their social and ecological goals. Yet, restoration research typically focuses on the ecological over the social aspects, and can overlook key factors that enable projects. Allowing for widespread community engagement can help to establish social legitimacy for restoration projects, and identify public perceptions and key features of social and ecological importance. Australia's largest reef restoration, to recover lost oyster reefs, is an emerging socio-ecological success story. This initiative in South Australia progressed on a foundation of public engagement, using a public consultation process to identify local's perceptions and values surrounding the restoration. An online public forum captured over 1500 public responses, of which 600 written responses were submitted and analysed to identify key public values and concerns. Overall, we documented strong support for ongoing reef restorations, as the public perceived an array of social, environmental, economic, and wellbeing benefits. Public responses reflected an understanding of how ecological benefits inspire social ones, and a firm belief that the restored reefs could improve their coastline for community betterment. These findings show how early community involvement helped generate the social license for government to pursue ongoing restoration work, and support local communities' connection to place and conservation engagement. Prioritising the development of a supportive social platform, through community consultation and maintaining coastal accessibility within ocean governance and conservation goals, can enhance the social value of marine spaces.