http://hdl.handle.net/1957/1315 Search the Channel search http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/dspace/simple-search http://hdl.handle.net/1957/9163 Title: Stakeholder evaluation of market based approaches towards managing the adverse impacts of commercial fishing on the marine environment <br/> <br/>Abstract: Over fishing, by-catch of non-target fish species, marine mammals, seabirds, and damage to benthic habitats remain serious problems in fisheries management. Management methods based on traditional command and control (CAC) approaches may meet with initial successes yet additional progress is often marginal, requiring managers to implement additional regulations to achieve improvements in environmental performance. Market-based instruments (MBI), particularly in the context of rights-based systems, are relatively new and potentially powerful instruments for addressing environmental externalities in the marine environment, yet few policymakers have embraced or actively experimented with them. A comprehensive literature review, a general survey on perceptions and attitudes, and workshops using policy relevant decision support frameworks were used to understand, educate and assist west coast fishery management participants in evaluating the strengths, weaknesses, and trade offs associated with the potential use of MBI compared to traditional CAC regulations in managing the adverse impacts of fishing on marine ecosystems. Survey results suggest that although there were some differences among the various stakeholder groups, fishery management participants are familiar, receptive and perceive MBI as an effective, potential way to manage the adverse environmental impacts of fishing on the west coast. Workshop results indicate that there was little difference among the diverse stakeholder groups in evaluating the different policy approaches towards managing the adverse environmental impacts of fishing on the west coast. An individual transferable bycatch quota of non-commercial fish species is a market-based policy option that had high criteria satisfaction, while managing the essential fish habitat through market based instruments was ranked low and had high uncertainties. The combination of a structured and participatory decision support system and a comparison of the potentials of MBI relative to traditional CAC regulations should assist policy makers and stakeholders in seeking more creative and effective approaches in managing the environmental impacts of fishing activities. <br/> <br/>Description: Graduation date: 2008 http://hdl.handle.net/1957/9100 Title: An exploration of visitors’ conservation attitudes, expectations, and motivations at three informal education institutions in Newport, Oregon <br/> <br/>Abstract: Due to the overwhelming concern for the current state of our oceans, The Pew Ocean Commission (2003) and the U.S. Commission on Ocean policy (2004), have both strongly recommended an increase in our society’s ocean literacy. An increase in ocean literacy can be achieved through informal education institutions such as zoos, aquarium and science centers. Informal science education institutions are places where visitors engage in free-choice learning on their own terms; having varying amounts of choice over when, how, and with whom they learn. In order to understand whether or not aquarium, zoos, and science centers have an impact on visitors in terms of learning researchers need to be able to document the learning that occurs there. The goal of this study was to explore some newly published tools for understanding what visitors bring with them when visiting informal education institutions. This study looked at visitor motivations, conservation attitudes, and perceptions of a visit to three informal education institutions in Newport, Oregon. It also investigated the effectiveness of using these newly published tools outside of the realm from which they were created. Results of the three administered surveys at each institution revealed that the motivations of visitors to informal education institutions change seasonally. In addition visitor’s conservation attitudes significantly increased from pre to post visit. The findings also revealed that the motivations tool, which was created specifically to measure visitor motivations in zoo and aquariums, was able to successfully measure visitor motivations in such places as a science center and boat excursion company. <br/> <br/>Description: Graduation date: 2009 http://hdl.handle.net/1957/8980 Title: Conservation education in free-choice learning environments : the effects of animals and interpretation <br/> <br/>Abstract: With 150 million people visiting accredited zoos and aquariums annually, these institutions have the unique opportunity to present conservation-oriented messages to a large and receptive audience. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of interpretation and/or the viewing of live animals in the communication of these messages. Research took place at the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Hatfield Marine Science Center, both located in Newport, Oregon. After viewing these institutions’ respective sea otter exhibits and interpretive programs, participants completed a questionnaire about their conservation attitudes and beliefs, as well as their knowledge of otter natural history. A follow-up survey was also conducted to determine if any long-term changes could be documented as a result of their visit. This study found that visitors who heard the interpretive talk are more familiar with sea otter natural history and could list more specific actions to help these animals than the study's other participants. This group also reported behavior changes as a result of their visit that were not necessarily preceded by a change in attitude. Also included in this thesis are recommendations for researchers and the Oregon Coast Aquarium, as well as implications for the field. <br/> <br/>Description: Graduation date: 2009 http://hdl.handle.net/1957/8912 Title: Exploring stakeholders' attitudes and beliefs regarding behaviors that prevent the spread of invasive species : a focus group study <br/> <br/>Abstract: This research explores the barriers that prevent stakeholders from changing their hobby behaviors to help prevent the spread of invasive species in Oregon. Invasive species are increasingly causing economic and ecosystem harm in Oregon. This is among the first studies done on the human dimensions of invasive species. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior as a framework, the attitudes, norms and perceived behavioral controls regarding preventative behaviors were elucidated during four focus groups (29 individuals) with individual groupings of gardeners, anglers, hunters and boaters. Findings indicate six belief barriers to changing hobby behaviors. These include 1) the attitude that preventative behaviors, such as using pesticides, may be worse for the environment than invasive species, 2)the attitude that the fight against invasive species is a losing battle, 3)the norm belief that institutions don’t care enough to prioritize action on the issue of invasive species, 4) the norm belief that the general public both doesn’t know and doesn't care about invasive species, 5) the behavioral control belief that one doesn't know enough about the preventative behaviors to be effective, and 6) the behavioral control belief that preventative behaviors are too difficult to perform. Understanding the beliefs that prevent changes in behavior will help inform the creation of effective statewide invasive species awareness and actions campaigns, such as that being led by the Oregon Invasive Species Council, as well as provide a foundation of research on which to build additional research. Findings suggest that an effective way to engage stakeholders in being part of the solution to invasive species may include addressing social norms by targeting awareness messaging and engagement activities to hobby groups. <br/> <br/>Description: Graduation date: 2009