Rosemary E. Ommer’s multi-generational contributions to marine social-ecological systems thinking

Abstract

Dr Rosemary E. Ommer was a foundational leader in the concepts and practices of inter- and transdisciplinary marine social-ecological research. Beginning with the collapse of Atlantic cod stocks in the NW Atlantic in the 1990s, she brought together diverse researchers in the biophysical sciences, social sciences, humanities, philosophy, arts, First Nations and local community partners to work together as integrated teams on understanding the origins, impacts, and implications of interactive environmental, social, and economic restructuring. Rosemary died peacefully on 24 April 2025, after a short illness of aggressive cancers. In this Story from the Front Lines, we highlight her achievements in marine social-ecological research, then focus on four main front lines that she advanced: (a) adopting team approaches to understanding complex social-ecological systems and crises; (b) seeing communities as agents, (c) turning science/knowledge into policy, and (d) providing mentorship. Our method was to invite short 'postcards' from colleagues and academic 'kids' and 'grandkids' about how Rosemary shaped their understanding and practices of marine social-ecological research, and how her work and ideas continue to influence their own current and future work. The story concludes with our collective thoughts on the legacy Rosemary inspired and how that legacy can help us respond to the challenges of these tumultuous times.