Data From: Aquarium Visitor Engagement with an Ocean Plastics Exhibit: Effects on Self-Reported Intended Single-Use Plastic Reductions and Plastic-Related Environmental Stewardship Actions

Plastic pollution requires, among a suite of other interventions, education to inspire behavioral change and reduce consumption of single-use plastics. We designed and installed an ocean plastics exhibit at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, Oregon. We evaluated visitor engagement and the effects of the exhibit on their reported single-use plastic and plastic-related environmental stewardship intentions. Timed interaction observations (n= 317) revealed children (0–17 years) engaged more with interactive elements than adults (18–80+ years). Ten single-use plastic reduction and plastic stewardship intentions were evaluated through structured questionnaires; the top three behaviors visitors intended to change were: using a reusable straw (37.4%), cleaning the beach (37.4%), and bring-your-own bag to the store or market (33.0%). 18-29 year olds had the highest change in desire to address the ocean plastic problem, but the lowest likelihood of engaging in single-use plastic reduction or plastic stewardship actions of all age groups pointing to a target age group in need of further education and outreach. Data Description:There are two excel files and Oregon Coast Aquarium Ocean Plastics Exhibit Signage Files. Item descriptions: Timed interaction raw data: This is the dataset from timed interactions that took place within the Oregon Coast Aquarium ocean plastics exhibit; Verbal survey entered data: This is the dataset from written survey questions administered to visitors at the Oregon Coast Aquarium ocean plastics exhibit; Microplastics signages.