Scientists Study Perceptions of Conservation Effort

June 10, 2009 — Virginia Key — Stakeholder support for management strategies and regulations of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary grew dramatically among key user groups over a 10-year period, according to a study conducted by researchers from NOAA, the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, and Thomas J. Murray and Associates. The increase in support is particularly significant among commercial fishermen, the majority of whom were against the creation of the sanctuary. 'Among commercial fishermen, dive operators and environmental group members, a majority or a plurality believe that the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has benefited both the environment and community of the Florida Keys,' said Bob Leeworthy, chief economist for the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. The peer-reviewed study, which includes input from UM Marine Affairs and Policy Professor Dr. Daniel Suman, and students Flavia Tonioli and Manaj Shivlani among others, compared perceptions of key users in a 1995-96 baseline study with users in 2006. The study was funded by NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program and conducted through a partnership between the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and other government agencies and academic institutions. The study revealed greater support for the sanctuary among the commercial fishing community, with a shift from highly negative responses to a supportive or neutral position.