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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Davis, California » Sustainable Agricultural Water Systems Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #413005
Research Project: Improved Agroecosystem Efficiency and Sustainability in a Changing Environment

Location: Sustainable Agricultural Water Systems Research

Title: Public support for organizations that aim to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species: The role of public values and risk perception

Author
item PRADHANANGA, AMIT - University Of Minnesota
item CHOI, AMI - University Of Minnesota
item Levers, Lucia

Submitted to: Human Dimensions of Wildlife
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/18/2024
Publication Date: 1/5/2025
Citation: Pradhananga, A., Choi, A., Levers, L.R. 2025. Public support for organizations that aim to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species: The role of public values and risk perception. Human Dimensions of Wildlife. https://doi.org/10.1080/10871209.2024.2446785.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10871209.2024.2446785

Interpretive Summary: Citizens' value orientation, specifically whether they lean more anthropogenic (people oriented) or biocentric (environment oriented) is important in determining their perceived risk of environmental hazards, in this case aquatic invasive species, as well as determining their support for organizations addressing the environmental concern at hand. We use data from a survey of residents of Minnesota, USA, to support these assertions. Biocentric people are more likely to perceive environmental risks and to support environmental organizations. This knowledge is helpful when considering outreach and approaches towards invasive species management.

Technical Abstract: To examine public support for organizations that aim to control or prevent aquatic invasive species (AIS), we collected data using a statewide survey of residents in Minnesota, USA. We hypothesize that the two dimensions of value orientations – biocentric and anthropocentric—have differential impacts on AIS risk perception and practice efficacy. We found that residents’ support for AIS-related organizations is influenced by their perceptions of risks about AIS and their belief in the effectiveness of actions. Based on these findings, we recommend communication and outreach campaigns that communicate risks of AIS and highlight how residents’ support for organizations can result in AIS prevention. Targeted approaches that appeal to residents with anthropocentric and biocentric values are also likely to be successful.