Exploring Boaters’ Environmental Views for a Marine Conservation Campaign

Abstract

This article reports on formative research as part of a broader interdisciplinary campaign to increase voluntary environmentally responsible boating in a local lagoon. A telephone survey was conducted with a sample (N = 404) of targeted boaters to explore their views on the environmental issue and motivations to perform the desired behavior. Results reveal over half of respondents were unaware of the environmental damage caused by recreational boating but were somewhat concerned. Importantly, many believe they are able to engage in environmentally responsible boating and that it would help to protect this marine ecosystem. The article concludes by discussing scholarly and practical contributions and future research considerations.

Notes

Despite a relatively homogeneous group of participants, we tested demographic groups against each other for each variable of interest in the current study. Demographics did not demonstrate systematic effects on study variables. For example, there were no significant differences between different race or income groups. Women had higher levels of environmental concern and self-efficacy. Individuals with the highest levels of education (i.e., college graduates and above) were more aware of environmental issues than people at other education levels. Finally, younger participants attributed more damage to boating and had higher levels of self-efficacy.