Mapping the voices: Spanish boat owners and marina operators on non-indigenous marine species—knowledge and key informants

Abstract

The public need to be aware of nonindigenous species (NIS) and how they spread to effectively manage this marine biosecurity risk. In most countries, the management of biosecurity risks associated with recreational boating relies exclusively on vessel owners and marina managers engaging in pro-environmental behaviours. To understand if this management approach is feasible, stakeholders’ perceptions first need to be identified. Surveys assessed people’s knowledge, awareness about NIS and channels involved in risk communication in three countries with different management scenarios and marine biosecurity histories: Spain, Australia and New Zealand. There was a mismatch between perceived and actual knowledge of NIS among respondents, with clear significant differences in perceptions between countries and socio-demographic profiles. Spanish stakeholders are significantly unaware of this biosecurity risk, and inaccurate knowledge was associated with specific media channels of the risk communication network. We provide recommendations to assist policymakers and science communicators when implementing an early risk communication strategy for Spanish influencing stakeholder groups.