My research involves field work and takes place in Southwest New Brunswick where the aquaculture industry has rapidly expanded and where traditional fisheries such as lobster, groundfish and herring continue to operate.  I am interested in the subjective evaluations that underpin differing perceptions of risk and values that guide policies, regulations and management; whether emerging governance institutions are appropriately designed to deal with conflict associated with risk management; the way in which formal government is connected to governance institutions; and if these connections enable support for local arrangements and local participation in management decisions.