On the eve of the first June 8th World Oceans Day celebration officially recognized by the United Nations, data from a sweeping new national survey reveal that Americans are concerned about the health of the ocean and are ready to take personal action to make a difference.

America, the Ocean, and Climate Change: New Research Insights for Conservation, Awareness, and Action, commissioned by The Ocean Project, in collaboration with Monterey Bay Aquarium and National Aquarium, surveyed over 22,000 Americans on a comprehensive range of ocean- and environment-related topics.  It is the largest environmental survey ever conducted.

The newly released report indicates that Americans’ knowledge about the ocean is limited, and concern about environmental issues affecting the ocean is a low priority compared with issues such as the economy and national security. While the poll also finds that climate change is the single environmental issue of greatest concern to the public, people are largely unaware of the connection between climate change, carbon pollution and ocean health.

Despite low levels of ocean literacy, when asked, Americans say they support protecting the health of the ocean and the environment. In a significant shift from views expressed in a 1999 survey also commissioned by The Ocean Project, Americans now believe that their individual actions can have a positive effect on protecting the environment and improving the health of the ocean. They are ready to act but are not sure what to do. Likewise, the public expects aquariums, zoos, and museums to communicate solutions to environmental and ocean issues while advancing conservation.

“America, the Ocean, and Climate Change shows that Americans possess significantly greater knowledge about casino gambling and video games than we do about our ocean, even as we might be planning for that trip to the beach. Clearly, we need to see a greater emphasis on environmental and ocean literacy,” said Bill Mott, director of The Ocean Project. Added Mott, “The good news is that once informed about the problems, we also see in the survey results confirmation that we are a “can do” country, with people wanting to help, wanting to be part of the solution, and aquariums, zoos, and museums are in an excellent position to help everyone to do just that.”

Julie Packard, executive director of Monterey Bay Aquarium, commented, “For all of us who are working to inspire the public to protect the ocean, this survey has important implications for how we can be more effective in achieving our goals. It tells us that people are eager for aquariums and zoos to take a leadership role in suggesting practical steps that will make a difference. We have a tremendous opportunity to make a difference for the future of the oceans.”

Importantly, the survey found that young people aged 12-17 care more about the ocean, know more about ocean issues, and are more willing to act on the ocean’s behalf than adults. In addition, teens and tweens influence the opinions of adults, who tend to view their children as better informed on conservation issues, according to the survey

The survey also found that Americans in households where English is not the primary language express higher levels of concern about ocean issues and are more willing to modify their behavior than Americans in households where English is the primary language.

“Aquariums, zoos, and museums need to nurture the energy and environmental enthusiasm of our country’s youth,” said David Pittenger, CEO of the National Aquarium. “We must help to help channel this generation’s concern for the world’s environment and ocean by providing practical knowledge, hands-on opportunities, and action-oriented avenues toward slowing the rate of climate change.”

Added Mott, “Fortunately, this survey clearly shows that the American public looks to aquariums, zoos and museums to be leaders for conservation action. These great community resources for education and inspiration about the natural world have a huge opportunity and responsibility to help the public, especially youth, learn more about how each person can contribute to a healthier ocean and a healthier future for the coming generations.”

The survey, conducted by IMPACTS Research, bases its findings on data from a survey of 22,000 adults in the United States between August and November of 2008. The survey was conducted online, and respondents were paid, screened and certified. The sample accurately reflected the U.S. population, and the overall confidence level in its findings is 95 percent.

Funding for the survey was provided through an Environmental Literacy Grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and through collaboration with the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the National Aquarium.  The survey will be updated regularly. Updates and the full research report will be available on The Ocean Project’s website at www.TheOceanProject.org. 

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