title: Marine wildlife entanglement: Assessing knowledge, attitudes, and relevant behaviour in the Australian community.
abstract: Marine debris remains a global challenge, with significant impacts on wildlife. Despite this, there is a paucity of research examining public understanding about marine wildlife entanglement [MWE], particularly within an Australian context. The present study surveyed two hundred and thirteen participants across three coastal sites to assess familiarity with MWE and the effectiveness of a new community education initiative 'Seal the Loop' [STL]. Results revealed attitudes toward marine wildlife were very positive (M 40.5, SD 4.12); however 32% of participants were unable to correctly explain what MWE is and risks to wildlife were under-estimated. STL may be one method to enhance public understanding and engagement-if community familiarity with the program can be increased. For those aware of STL (<13% of the sample at the time of the study), findings revealed this was having a positive impact (e.g. learning something new, changed waste disposal behaviours).
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, University of South Australia, Australia. Electronic address: Elissa.Pearson@unisa.edu.au.
authors.forename: Elissa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pearson
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, University of South Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mellish
authors.affiliation: Zoos Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sanders
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, University of South Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Carla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Litchfield
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D059001:Aquatic Organisms; D001290:Attitude; D001315:Australia; D002947:Cities; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012037:Refuse Disposal; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014866:Waste Products / Q000032:analysis; D014876:Water Pollution
chemical_list: D014866:Waste Products
keywords: Conservation psychology; Marine debris; Marine wildlife entanglement; Zoo education