Gauging perceptions of ocean acidification in Alaska

Abstract

a b s t r a c tWhile ocean acidification (OA) poses a significant threat to ocean-related ecosystems and communities reliant on marine fisheries, aquaculture, and coral reef systems, limited public understanding and awareness can prevent coastal regions from being able to adequately assess the need for OA adaptation or mitigation. This study assessed public understanding of OA and how social and demographic factors influence the public's concern for OA. The analysis was based on 311 questionnaires from full-time Alaska residents. The results showed that most Alaskans self-reported to have a basic awareness of OA, and subsequently were able to recognize that CO 2 emissions related to human activity are the dominant driver of changing ocean conditions. However, there was a low recognition of how natural variability in the marine environment affects OA, and most respondents were not very confident in their understanding of OA-related science. Moreover, even though many communities in Alaska are reliant on commercial and subsistence fishing activities, the respondents had a low awareness of fisheries-related OA risk. Given the ongoing debate associated with climate change research, evaluating CO 2 mitigation efforts through the perspective of OA could give individuals an unbiased way to assess the pros and cons of more intensive efforts to curb CO 2 emissions. Furthermore, using OA communication to enhance the understanding of how natural variability influences OA around the state and the potential economic implications for Alaska fisheries would help residents and stakeholders make informed decisions when considering fisheries management plans, food security, and job diversity as OA intensifies. Solidifying the understanding that any reduction in pH and intensification of OA can have implications for marine species that are irreversible on human timescales will reinforce not only that OA is an immediate concern, but also the importance of taking action now.

UK public perceptions of Ocean Acidification – The importance of place and environmental identity

“…The levels of awareness found by Frisch et al [36] are very different from those found by Capstick and colleagues [37] who report that only one in five had heard of OA with only 37.5% citing CO 2 as the cause (34.1% cited pollution as the main cause). This latter work surveyed a UK-based sample whom it could be argued have less of a reliance on the ocean than the Alaskan sample, which may account for the difference in awareness of OA, although the issue was also far more widely reported in Alaska.…”

“…The region also has a strong fisheries industry, which is of key importance to the economy. Frisch and colleagues [36] surveyed Alaskan residents (N = 311) and found that many individuals had a low level of understanding regarding OA and the associated risks. This was expected as they acknowledged that OA was an unknown risk issue for those in the wider community.…”

“…When comparing this to the levels of concern and awareness about OA to those who work in the shellfish industries there is a difference, with Alaskan residents not as concerned or aware of the risk. Mabardy et al [32] believe this is because stakeholder groups recognise OA and have first-hand experience with it whereas the residents surveyed in Frisch et al [36] have not experienced the impacts of OA.…”

Ten Thousand Voices on Marine Climate Change in Europe: Different Perceptions among Demographic Groups and Nationalities

“…Nevertheless, in this study there was a strong correlation shown between self-declared informedness and concern (see Gelcich et al, 2014), albeit with a few exceptions, most notably for "oceans becoming more acidic" with only 14% of people saying they were "informed" about this issue (with a figure as low as 7% in France) but with 58% of people being "concerned" about it. Subsequent to the survey being conducted more in-depth polling work on ocean acidification was conducted in the United Kingdom by Capstick et al (2016), and in the Alaska (Frisch et al, 2015). Both of these studies reiterated that there is little public awareness and understanding of ocean acidification compared to climate change in general.…”

Community-Level Actions that Can Address Ocean Acidification

“…Many of the actions mentioned and explained by Kelly and Caldwell (2013) appear in this grouping, but most actions have not been attempted at the local or regional level for the purpose of addressing ocean acidification. Even when significant regional industries stand to lose substantial revenues due to ocean acidification, building wider public awareness, and concern over this vulnerability to stimulate action remains a challenge (Frisch et al, 2015). As a result, this ocean chemistry change has not yet become a significant impetus for actions in this category.…”