Boater Speed Compliance in Manatee Zones: Examining a Proposed Predictive Model

Abstract

In Florida, recreational watercraft strikes are the single greatest cause of mortality among the endangered West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Vessel speed reduction zones are meant to minimize this threat, although boater compliance studies suggest that the current reliance on waterway signage and voluntary observance may be somewhat ineffective. Based on observation of vessels on the St. Johns River in Florida, and subsequent mail survey of observed boaters, this study attempted to better understand attitude importance and subjective norms with respect to boating behavior within the context of a predictive model. Fifty five percent of observed vessels were noncompliant with the posted zone speeds. In general, observed and self-reported compliance behaviors were only partially consistent with the tested model. Findings suggest that messages to compel boaters to comply should foster an attachment to personally important attitudes and appropriate desires of family members, other boaters and law enforcement officers.

Keywords:

• attitude importance
• boaters
• compliance
• Florida
• manatee conservation
• predictive model

Notes

Note. Items are rated on Likert scale: strongly disagree = 1, disagree = 2, neutral = 3, agree = 4, strongly agree = 5. Numbers in table represent percent of the total for each item.

^a Standardized item alpha = .63.

^b Standardized item alpha = .62.

^c Standardized item alpha = .76.