Public Cognitions and Emotions Associated with Ocean Acidification and Sea Star Wasting Disease: An Exploratory Study in Oregon

• Main Author: Insinga, Maia L.
• Other Authors: Needham, Mark D., D'Antonio, Ashley, Rose, Jeremy, Oregon State University. Honors College
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English; unknown
• Published: Oregon State University
• Subjects: Ocean acidification
• Online Access: https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/honors_college_theses/m613n500v

Marine environments provide services for ecosystems and humans, but face many threats, including sea star wasting disease (SSWD) and ocean acidification (OA). Biological research on these threats is abundant, but there has been limited research examining the human dimensions of these threats. This thesis contains two standalone articles that explore public emotions and cognitions (attitudes, norms) toward SSWD and OA, and how these concepts are related to knowledge and perceptions of risk associated with these threats. Data were obtained from surveys (n = 507) of Oregon residents along the coastal and I-5 corridor areas of this state. Respondents were grouped by their risk and factual knowledge, and presented with photographs depicting deteriorating conditions associated with SSWD and OA, with questionnaire items measuring cognitions and emotions in response to each photograph. Results showed that: (a) knowledge of each threat was low; (b) as both knowledge and risk increased, awareness increased and emotions, attitudes, and norms became more negative, especially with deteriorating conditions; and (c) respondents perceived these threats as moderate risks to marine areas and slight risks to themselves. Explanations for these findings and implications for practitioners and researchers are discussed. For example, public education about these threats needs to improve. Key Words: Ocean Acidification, Sea Star Wasting Disease, Public Perceptions, Marine Threats