Understanding and Influencing Recreational Boaters' Stewardship Behaviors

Recreational boaters are considered to be a major vector in the transmission of aquatic invasive species (AIS) and pathogens like viral hemorrhagic septicemia. Therefore, mitigation strategies developed to prevent the spread of AIS and pathogens, must target boaters and their stewardship behaviors. Past research suggests that mass media campaigns are far less effective at changing environmental behaviors than personalized approaches, tailored to the values and beliefs of targeted audiences. To better understand recreational boaters and to identify determinants of their boating behaviors, we conducted a mail survey of registered boaters in Illinois. Structural equation modeling revealed that basic environmental values, environmental concern and past boating behaviors have the biggest influence on future boating behaviors. Knowledge was not a strong predictor of future behaviors. Study findings suggest that policy, education, and outreach interventions should address boaters with varying value orientations and focus on increasing concern about specific environmental consequences of AIS and pathogens. Breaking old boating habits may prove difficult, but efforts to enhance perceived control and personal norms of behavior (e.g., making stewardship more convenient, asking for personal pledges or commitment to certain behaviors, providing feedback on program successes) appear to be the most promising in promoting stewardship behaviors.