Does Knowledge Affect Support for Shark Conservation?

ESP graduate student Chelsea Gray produced this video (below) which became one of the 2018 finalists in the Ocean 180 Video Challenge.

From the http://ocean180.org/2018-finals/2018-challenge/video-18.html page:

Vimeo Link:  https://vimeo.com/263665427

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/Ul_7sUhydh4

Team Members:

Dr. Chris Parsons, George Mason University
Chelsea Gray, George Mason University

Summary:

A survey of people in auto dealerships asked for individual’s knowledge of sharks, where they got their information, and if the individuals supported shark conservation, as well as demographic information (age, education level, etc). The results indicate that the more knowledge a person has the more likely they are to support shark conservation. Individuals who watched Discovery’s Shark Week and/or documentaries were more knowledgeable about sharks then those who got their information from other sources such as TV news or movies. This demonstrates that documentaries, and in particular Shark Week, can have a strong impact on conservation.

Original Publication:

O’Bryhim, Jason R., and E.C.M. Parsons. 2015. Increased knowledge about sharks increases public concern about their conservation. Marine Policy 56: 43-47