Linking Recreational Boaters' Environmental Perspectives with Behavior Change to Protect a Marine Ecosystem
Irresponsible recreational boating can degrade marine ecosystems. Propellers on speedboats can uproot sensitive plants, scar or kill fish, and disrupt the sea bed and shoreline. In addition to environmental impacts, degraded marine habitats can also have negative economic impacts on tourism. Changes to boating behaviors, such as reducing speed, can help protect the ecosystem. This study undertook an investigation of boaters' perceptions of environmental damage to Mosquito Lagoon, a natural area near Cape Canaveral, Florida.