Study

Exploring the efficacy of an aquatic invasive species prevention campaign among water recreationists

  • Published source details Seekamp E., McCreary A., Mayer J., Zack S., Charlebois P. & Pasternak L. (2016) Exploring the efficacy of an aquatic invasive species prevention campaign among water recreationists. Biological Invasions, 18, 1745-1758.

Summary

Action: Raise public awareness about aquatic habitats

A study in 2013 in Illinois and Indiana, USA (Seekamp et al. 2016) found that recreational water users familiar with an invasive species awareness campaign were more likely to carry out four of six biosecurity behaviours than water users unfamiliar with the campaign. The four behaviours were: dispose unwanted bait/fish scraps in the trash; drain equipment after use; inspect and clean equipment after use; and dry equipment for ≥5 days after use. Familiarity with the campaign had no significant effect on two other behaviours: rinsing equipment with high pressure or hot water. Methods: In summer 2013, a total of 626 anglers and boaters were surveyed on the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Individuals were asked how often they engaged in six aquatic biosecurity behaviours (always, frequently, never, not applicable) and whether they were familiar with the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!TM campaign (yes: 56%, no: 44%). The campaign launched in 2002. It involved communicating the six biosecurity behaviours on signs at boat ramps, in fishing regulation publications and on boat registrations – plus general awareness-raising about key aquatic invasive species (e.g. with stickers and brochures).

Output references
What Works 2021 cover

What Works in Conservation

What Works in Conservation provides expert assessments of the effectiveness of actions, based on summarised evidence, in synopses. Subjects covered so far include amphibians, birds, mammals, forests, peatland and control of freshwater invasive species. More are in progress.

More about What Works in Conservation

Download free PDF or purchase
The Conservation Evidence Journal

The Conservation Evidence Journal

An online, free to publish in, open-access journal publishing results from research and projects that test the effectiveness of conservation actions.

Read the latest volume: Volume 21

Go to the CE Journal

Discover more on our blog

Our blog contains the latest news and updates from the Conservation Evidence team, the Conservation Evidence Journal, and our global partners in evidence-based conservation.


Who uses Conservation Evidence?

Meet some of the evidence champions

Endangered Landscape ProgrammeRed List Champion - Arc Kent Wildlife Trust The Rufford Foundation Save the Frogs - Ghana Mauritian Wildlife Supporting Conservation Leaders
Sustainability Dashboard National Biodiversity Network Frog Life The international journey of Conservation - Oryx Cool Farm Alliance UNEP AWFA Bat Conservation InternationalPeople trust for endangered species Vincet Wildlife Trust