New Research by Responsive Management Examines the Effectiveness of Aquatic Invasive Species Outreach Campaigns
Mark Damian Duda
Responsive Management recently completed a study for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Fish and Aquatic Conservation, and the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force to determine the extent to which various aquatic invasive species awareness campaigns are influencing the conservation‐related behaviors of outdoor recreationists who potentially interact with aquatic invasive species.
Within the United States alone, there are more than 250 non-native aquatic invasive species originating from around the world. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service identifies invasive species as one of the leading causes of global biodiversity loss. Additionally, according to a recent report, invasive species are responsible for $423 billion in annual losses to the global economy, including through threats to human health and damage to ecosystems.
Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species depends on both enforcement measures, such as inspections at boat launches, and responsible behaviors by recreationists themselves in the field. To help encourage the desired prevention behaviors, the aquatic invasive species management community has developed messaging campaigns that employ simple taglines and imagery to generate awareness of the issue. However, with a multitude of national, regional, state, and local invasive species campaigns vying for recreationists’ attention, new research was needed to identify the campaigns having the most impact.
Responsive Management’s project in partnership with the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force was designed to address this need. The study entailed a survey of adult U.S. residents who engaged in any of seven water‐based outdoor recreational activities, including freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, motorboating, non‐motorized boating, scuba diving, snorkeling, or waterfowl hunting.
The survey sample was stratified by the four major regions of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies to ensure statistically valid results at the regional and national levels. In total, Responsive Management obtained 5,082 completed interviews with aquatic recreationists.
For major findings and results of the research, please visit here: