We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Understanding public perceptions of marine threats: awareness and concern among residents and visitors of the German Baltic Sea Coast
Summary
Researchers surveyed 628 residents and visitors along the German Baltic Sea coast to assess public awareness of marine environmental threats. The study found that while people reported high concern about ecological threats, they tended to identify visible issues like plastic waste and oil spills more readily than less perceptible problems such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and chemical pollution.
The ecosystem of the Baltic Sea fulfills important functions for the ecological and socio-economic well-being of its surrounding region and human well-being. However, it faces severe threats from human activities, such as hazardous substances, eutrophication, habitat degradation or overfishing which have led to a concerning ecological state of the basin. Public perceptions can provide valuable insights into promoting behavioral change and support for marine conservation strategies. This study examines public perceptions of environmental threats to the Baltic Sea ecosystem among residents and visitors of the Island of Ruegen and the Greifswalder Bodden. Data were collected by employing face-to-face interviews (N = 628). Residents and visitors reported high levels of awareness and concern about ecological threats to the Baltic Sea. Yet, they did not accurately assess the ecosystem’s poor condition and most frequently identified highly visible threats such as plastic waste or oil spills. Less perceptible and more complex issues, like climate change, biodiversity loss, heavy metals or noise pollution were mentioned infrequently. Participants’ perceptions varied according to their proximity of residence to the coast, age and current engagement in educational contexts. It may be further assumed that media coverage, local historical and socio-economic contexts, as well as various personal and psychological factors, contribute to shaping public understanding. The findings suggest that effective marine conservation in the Baltic Sea region may be strengthened by correcting prevalent misconceptions and promoting comprehensive, evidence-based information that also resonates on an emotional level. To support this, it may be beneficial to actively involve local communities and cultivate deeper, more personal connections between the public and the marine environment.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Public perceptions of marine environmental issues: A case study of coastal recreational users in Italy
Researchers surveyed 202 coastal recreational users along Italy's Adriatic coast about their perceptions of marine environmental issues, finding that awareness of marine litter, pollution, and overfishing was high, and that observed coastal changes and pro-environmental behaviors were primarily shaped by demographic factors such as gender and water use frequency.
Public Perceptions of Marine Plastic Litter: A Comparative Study Across European Countries and Seas
This study surveyed public perceptions of marine plastic litter across eight European countries bordering the North Sea, Baltic Sea, and Mediterranean, finding high awareness of the problem but identifying barriers to behavioral change that vary by country and sea region.
Making sense of microplastics? Public understandings of plastic pollution
Researchers conducted focus groups to explore public understanding of microplastics and plastic pollution. Most participants were unaware of microplastics, and few connected their personal plastic use to ocean pollution, instead associating the issue with distant images like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The study suggests that the invisible scale of microplastics, limited scientific understanding, and deeply embedded cultural habits around plastic use present significant barriers to behavior change.
Multi-Criteria Relationship Analysis of Knowledge, Perception, and Attitude of Stakeholders for Engagement towards Maritime Pollution at Sea, Beach, and Coastal Environments
Researchers used multi-criteria analysis to assess the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of stakeholders toward marine pollution governance, finding persistent gaps between awareness and action, and identifying barriers to mobilizing the level of engagement needed for effective protection of vulnerable coastal ecosystems.
Marine monitoring in Europe: is it adequate to address environmental threats and pressures?
A review of European coastal monitoring programs found significant gaps in detecting and tracking environmental threats, including microplastic pollution. The study calls for better integration of monitoring networks to provide the data needed for effective ocean management and pollution control.