Publications and Presentations

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) (February 2004). AAAS Survey Report. 9 pp.

AAAS conducted a U.S. survey of 2,400 adults in November 2003 to gain an understanding of their attitudes and opinions on marine issues. This report analyzes the participants responses to the ten questions asked in regards to their age, gender, region, education, and marital status. Major findings include the idea that most adults believe that human activity is endangering the Earth's oceans, yet less than one-third feel empowered to influence positive change.

American Zoo and Aquarium Association. (2003). Aza's Poll for the Planet. 31 pp.

The AZA polled 60,000 people to find out what children think about the health of their planet. The results showed that kids are strongly aware of environmental problems and that they believe they play a critical role in saving the planet.

*NEW* Allison Arnold.  Doc Science Internal Series 170, published by the New Zealand Department of Conservation. (April 2004). A Review of Public Attitudes Towards Marine Issues Within and Beyond New Zealand.

This paper reviews current research on public opinions in New Zealand as well as the United States, Scotland, and Canada.  Includes a discussion of the future of marine conservations and the directions it needs to take in the future.

Belden Russonello & Stewart, conducted for the Biodiversity Project. (April 2002). Americans and Biodiversity: New Perspectives in 2002. 15 pages. For a more detailed analysis of the findings, please contact the Project's Miriam Grunes.

This national survey builds on a study done by BRS for the Biodiversity Project in 1996 to assess the familiarity among Americans of the term biodiversity and the understanding of the interconnectedness between humans and other species and habitats. This study includes some of the same questions used in the 1996 survey, but also added new ones in an attempt to increase the understanding of America's perceptions on these issues. Results show that over the past six years, there has in fact been an increased level of awareness for and appreciation of the importance of biodiversity.

Belden Russonello & Stewart, conducted for Nathan Cummings Foundation. (December 1999). Communicating Values, Talking about the Environment. 17 pp.

This paper identifies seven primary values that shape American attitudes on the environment. A table clearly illustrates which social values influence specific environmental issues. BRS details possible methods to communicate a value-based message on specific environmental issues

Belden Russonello & Stewart, conducted for the Biodiversity Project. (February 2000). Americans' Perceptions of Forests and Wilderness Areas in the US: Review of Existing Public Opinion Data. 45 pages.

The Biodiversity Project initiated a campaign focusing on the importance of eastern forests, their imminent threats, and what needs to be done to better protect them. Twenty-six studies were reviewed and from these existing public opinion research projects, eight key points emerged. Most Americans interviewed felt that the greatest reasons to protect forests are for human well-being, future generations, and to protect American heritage. While not directly related to oceans, some of the findings here resonate with TOP's and others' work on oceans. We include this because it comprises useful information on how Americans think about terrestrial wilderness areas, which are somewhat akin to oceans.

*NEW* Belden Russonello & Stewart, conducted for Environmental Media Services. (March 2001). Florida Voters Consider Manatee Protection.

This survey, focused on Florida voters' attitudes towards manatees, discovered the following conclusions: Florida voters are knowledgeable and aware of the issues affecting manatees; large majorities express concern over the plight of manatees and strongly support increased efforts to protect them; Florida voters trust local environmental groups more than any form of government when it comes to making decisions about manatee protection; and voters look to the state government and boating registration fees when it comes to funding manatee protection.

*NEW* Belden Russonello & Stewart, conducted for Smart Growth America and the National Association of Realtors (October 2004). National Survey on Communities. 

With all of the understandable attention and concern devoted to the problem of urban sprawl in recent years, this public opinion survey on where Americans live, and where they would like to live, has important repercussions on every area of environmental concern.  This survey reveals three important main points: Americans favor smart growth communities with shorter commutes and more sidewalks and places to walk than large sprawling suburbs; the length of commute time holds a dominant position in the average American's decision on where to live, and more people favor increasing public transportation than increasing the capacity of roads; and that Americans desire the government and businesses to increase resources in existing communities before creating new ones.

Biodiversity Project. (1999). Life. Nature. The Public. Making the Connection. A Biodiversity Communications Handbook. 64 pp.

This handbook is the "best of" the Project's recommendations and resources on how to create a communications strategy about biodiversity. The handbook contains information on public opinion, objectives for raising awareness, key audiences and points of access, tips for developing values-based messages and examples of successful messages. It is available for $15. Contact The Biodiversity Project at (680) 250-3513.

Biodiversity Project. (August 1999). Young Adults Working Group Report. 13 pages.

Current outreach efforts on biodiversity do not appeal to the unique interests and values of young adults. A workshop was organized to identify appropriate messages and messengers, points of access, and action plans for implementing outreach strategies to reach young adults. Reaching young adults and children is key to achieving positive change in the future and while there have been no comprehensive studies conducted with younger people related to the ocean, this work is somewhat applicable to all conservation-related activities, terrestrial and marine.

*NEW* Curry, T.E., D.M. Reiner, S. Ansolabehere and H.J. Herzog. (September 2004). How Aware is the Public of Carbon Capture and Storage? (presented at the Seventh International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies, Vancouver, Canada).

A survey of 1,200 people in 2003 by MIT researchers shows that climate change and the threat of global warming are poorly understood by the US public, and that taking action to reduce their impact is not a high priority.  Subjects were also unfamiliar with technology used to reduce climate change. More at Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Laboratory for Energy and the Environment.

*NEW* Mark Baldassare, for Public Policy Institute of California. (February 2006). PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and the Environment . 34 pp. Copies of this report may be ordered by e-mail ( order@ppic.org ) or phone (415-291-4400). For questions about the survey, contact survey@ppic.org .

This survey builds on a November 2003 survey from PPIC's environment series that offered the first comprehensive analysis of the public's perspectives on the wide range of marine and coastal issues confronting California today. The survey investigates Californians' views on ocean and coastal conditions in the state, their policy preferences and lifestyle choices in relation to the ocean and coastal areas, and their perceptions of state and federal efforts in the environmental arena.

*NEW* Curry, T.E. (June 2004).  Public Awareness of Carbon Capture and Storage: A Survey of Attitudes toward Climate Change Mitigation, M.I.T. Masters Thesis. 94 pp.

Duda, M., S.J. Bissell, and K.C. Young. (1998). Responsive Management National Office. Wildlife and the American Mind: Public Opinion on and Attitudes toward Fish and Wildlife Management. 775 pp.

This book is aimed at fish and wildlife managers, administrators and outreach specialists to help them better understand and work with their constituents and the public. Findings from 300 Responsive Management studies were compiled and implications drawn about potential strategies to enhance fish and wildlife management programs. Chapter 25, "Developing Effective Fish and Wildlife Information, Education and Outreach Programs", explores the link between Americans' attitudes and the conservation and protection of the nation's fish and wildlife resources. Research has shown that Americans care deeply about fish and wildlife resources, but they are largely uninformed about most management issues. This book identifies several important steps that need to be taken when planning and developing fish and wildlife information for the public.

Edge Research, conducted for the Coral Reef Foundation and SeaWeb. (June 2002). Public Knowledge and Attitudes About Coral Reefs. 50 pp. Download PDF version of the executive summary from The Ocean Foundation.

This was the first nationwide public survey conducted on coral reef issues. The report finds that although Americans feel they know little about coral reefs, they are concerned about reef health and are willing to take action to protect reefs.

Edge Research, conducted for Seaweb. (February 2002). Recent Findings on Fully-Protected Ocean Areas. 9 pp.

This survey questioned 1,000 likely voters in California on their perception of ocean health and attitudes toward fully-protected ocean areas. A major finding of this study was that there is widespread support for fully-protected areas, with a majority favoring them in each region. This held true even when told it may mean loss of access to parts of the ocean.

*NEW* Global Stewards. (2004). U.S. Survey Results on the Environment, Trade, and Campaign Finance Reform.

This organization compiled results from a long list of separate polls and combined them to take the temperature of the nation on the issues of the environment, trade, and campaign finance reform.  A good source of broad information on the American public's thought process.

Kellert, Stephen R. (1985). Attitudes Toward Animals: Age-Related Development Among Children. Journal of Environmental Education. 16(3): 29-39.

This study examined children's knowledge and attitudes toward animals and behavioral contacts with animals. These results were compared to adult knowledge and attitudes toward animals. Major differences were found among children that are distinguishable by age, sex, ethnicity, and urban/rural residence. Three stages in development of children's perceptions of animals were identified as (1) from six to nine years of age primarily involved changes in affective, emotional relationships to animals; (2) the change from ten to thirteen years of age was marked by a major increase in cognitive, factual understanding; and (3) the shift from thirteen to sixteen years of age witnessed a dramatic broadening in ethical concern and ecological appreciation of animals and their natural environment.

Kellert, Stephen R., for The Humane Society of the United States. (May 1999). American Perceptions of Marine Mammals and Their Management. 286 pp. Contact The Humane Society of the United States for a copy.

This study is the first comprehensive overview of how Americans view marine mammals. Some key findings highlighted include: most Americans opposed commercial whaling for ethical reasons; supported the protection of marine mammals over commercial fishing interests; objected to captive display of marine mammals in zoos and aquariums unless care was excellent and the education and science benefits were great; and they supported the goals of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and trade sanctions.

McKelvey, Leslie M. et al. (August 1999). Institute for Learning Innovation. Conservation Impacts Study: National Aquarium in Baltimore.

This report addresses the overall short and long-term impacts of an aquarium visit on the conservation knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of the general visitor. It assesses four main aspects: (1) in-coming conservation knowledge of visitors; (2) patterns of use and interaction with exhibitions; (3) exiting conservation knowledge of visitors; and (4) how the aquarium visit has altered or affected individual conservation knowledge, attitudes, and behavior.

Mellman Group, The, conducted for Seaweb. (June 1996). Presentation of Findings From a Nationwide Survey and Focus Groups. 52 pp.

This study examined the perceptions Americans have about the present state of our oceans and how we should protect them. Different strategies for educating the public and getting them involved are explored.

Mellman Group, The, conducted for Seaweb. (November 1999). Top-line Analysis of Public Attitudes toward National Marine Sanctuaries and Ocean Protected Areas.

This 4-page memo reports the results from a national survey of 800 adult Americans with an additional 250 interviews among those living in coastal states regarding their attitudes towards marine sanctuaries. The survey suggests that there is broad support for increased protection of ocean places. Nine major conclusions were drawn from the survey including individual perceptions of topics such as pollution, coastal versus deep ocean areas, and the effectiveness of current regulations.

*NEW* Coyle, Kevin, with The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation. (September 2005). Environmental Literacy in America. What 10 Years of NEETF/Roper Research and Related Studies Say About Environmental Literacy in the U.S.

This 252-page report provides much data and analysis accompanied by recommendations intended for everyone who cares about environmental issues, including environmental educators, NGO leaders, funders, public decision- and policy-makers, and other professionals and concerned citizens. The report calls for more and better research, clearer benchmarks to demonstrate impact, and far greater coordination.

*NEW* National Environmental Education and Training Foundation, The. (October 2002).  Environmental and Educational Achievement: Promising Programs and Resources. http://www.neetf.org/Education/prom-programs.pdf

Reports on many programs that show high levels of promise in advancing the environmental educational movement.  Provides detailed examples of success and achievements and models to shape the success of new programs.

*NEW* North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation. (2001). CEC Project Tracks Emerging Trends and Public Opinion in Pondering Future. For further information, contact Chantal Line Carpentier.

An online survey created by the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation polled the public opinions regarding the future of the environment.  Two thirds of survey respondents believe that the state of the environment will be worse in 20 years, while even the third that believe the environment will be in better shape at that time in the future still think that more environmental degradation must occur first before enough people will sit up and take notice of the situation.

O'Brien McConnell Pearson & West Direct Marketing Services, for Environmental Defense Fund. (September 1999). Focus Group Research Report: Communicating to the Public about Ocean Protection and Marine Reserves. 29 pp.

Eight focus groups were conducted to clarify the state of public opinion on ocean protection, specifically marine reserve proposals. Qualitative information was collected on the emotional connections individuals have with the ocean and their opinions on the current state of the oceans. Barriers of understanding relating to marine reserves were identified and individual reactions to different ads about marine reserves were noted. Twenty-two recommendations regarding marine reserve proposals resulted from these focus groups.

*NEW* Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life Survey Reports (October 2004) Religion and the Environment: Polls Show Strong Backing for Environmental Protection Across Religious Groups.

According to recent polls sponsored by the Pew Foundation for Religion & Public Life, concern for the environment transcends religious affiliation, in opposition to other hot button topics such as abortion, gay marriage, the death penalty, etc.  Backing for the environment occurs in virtually every group, and support runs quite deeply.

Roper Starch Worldwide, conducted for The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation. (2001). Lessons from the Environment: Why 95 % of Adult Americans Endorse Environmental Education . 46 pp.

The 2001 Annual National report Card on Environmental Attitudes, Knowledge, and Behavior examines why the overwhelming majority of adult Americans support environmental education in schools despite their own lack of environmental knowledge. Specifically they explored attitudes on balancing the environment and the economy, the state of environmental knowledge, and participation in environmental activities.

Roper Starch Worldwide, conducted for The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation. (1999). The National Report Card on Environmental Readiness for the 21st Century. 56 pp.

This report examines the question: Are Americans environmentally prepared for the 21st century? Roper Starch Worldwide conducted the survey and found that Americans are largely unprepared for the coming environmental issues and how they can help play a role in solving the problems. The specifics of the survey are discussed and several recommendations are made about ways to improve environmental awareness in the 21st century.

Roper Starch Worldwide, conducted for the National Environmental Education & Training Foundation.  (2002). Americans' Low "Energy IQ": A Risk to Our Energy Future The 10th Annual National Report Card: Environmental Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors.

This edition of the annual national report card examines how much adult Americans know about energy use, conservation, and education.

Roper Starch Worldwide. (May 1995). Public Attitudes Toward Zoos, Aquariums, and Animal Theme Parks. Commissioned by Sea World. 23 pages.

This study was carried out as an update of a benchmark survey first conducted in 1992 by Roper Report for Anheuser Busch. The intent of the study was to identify public attitudes and opinions toward animal facilities. Nine out of ten Americans believe zoos and aquariums are essential to educating the public about animals, and most believe education is most important function of these institutions.

*NEW* Seafood Choices Alliance. (February and March 2005).  The European Consumer and Sustainable Seafood Choices.

A follow up to research conducted about Americans' opinions on seafood, this survey sought to understand the knowledge, motivation, and behavior of European seafood consumers when it came to issues surrounding seafood and the ocean.  People in Germany, Spain, and the UK were polled.

*NEW* Seafood Choices Alliance. (February and March 2005).  European Seafood Professionals and Environmentally Responsible Seafood.

This study examines the attitudes of seafood professionals when it comes to sustainable seafood, as well as their power in the seafood industry and potential influence on the seafood consumption of consumers. 

Seafood Choices Alliance. (June 2003).  The Marketplace for Sustainable Seafood: Growing Appetites and Shrinking Seas.

This report draws together known information on the US seafood market and fisheries and research on consumer attitudes towards seafood.  Results show that while few Americans are knowledgeable about where their seafood comes from and the consequences of eating it, a significant number would be willing to support more sustainable options if they became available. 

The European Opinion Research Group (EORG), for Directorate-General Environment. (2002). EUROBAROMETER 58.0. The Attitudes of Europeans Towards the Environment. 43 pp.

A European public opinion survey on environmental attitudes. 

*NEW* TNS Intersearch, conducted for the Heartland Institute. (2000). The Millennium Survey. 

This widespread poll, with over 50,000 respondents from over 60 countries, sought the public's knowledge of and opinions on the state of the world's environment.  Troublingly, 62 percent of Americans responded that the present state of the environment is very or mainly satisfactory.  Additionally, while the issue of vanishing rainforests remains foremost on the public's mind, very few rank the ocean as an area of concern.