Downstream of the Experts: Trust-Building and the Case of MPAs

In this paper I examine Grasswick's theory of trust-building through knowledge-sharing across the scientific-lay divide. I apply this theory to the case of scientific-lay interactions in the development of marine protected areas (MPAs). This case-study not only supports Grasswick's work, but suggests one friendly amendment to her theory. When it comes to trust-building through knowledge-sharing, the case of MPAs demonstrates that this sharing must be reciprocal.