The purpose of this investigation is to examine the efforts of the Universidade de Aveiro to create a public participation process and provide information for the management of the Ria de Aveiro, a lagoon system, in Portugal. This thesis examines whether universities are effective as coordinators and facilitators of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). The Universidade de Aveiro, through the European Union-ICZMDemonstration Programme, spearheaded two projects, MARIA and ESGIRA-Maria, in efforts towards moving forward with ICZM in the area. A framework was created and then applied through a series of pilot-projects. Examination of the results of these pilot projects reveals that Universidade de Aveiro fostered partnerships and a sense of ownership between stakeholders through many different levels of participation. The university was seen by the various actors as a neutral, trusted agent and thus in a good position to bring together actors with conflicting interests. These projects will hopefully serve as guidance for those trying to achieve Integrated Coastal Zone Management in similar areas.