Reducing the spread of aquatic invasive species

Reducing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) requires the cooperation of boaters and anglers. In this work, we evaluated communication efforts in Wisconsin to stop AIS, and also considered ways to think about audiences for AIS communication based on risk. We analyzed survey data from boaters and anglers to understand how different outreach channels used by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to communicate about AIS were related to attitudes, social norms, and perceived behavioral control — three factors that predict behavior change, according to the Theory of Planned Behavior. We also looked at differences in audiences for AIS based on transience (how often boaters and anglers visit different water bodies).

My collaborators

  • Dr. Bret Shaw

  • Dr. Michael Amato

  • Deborah Seiler

  • Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Research highlights

Our analysis found that signs about the AIS steps were especially impactful. Individuals who reported noticing the signs also reported a higher sense of social norms (i.e., that following the AIS steps is the right thing to do), which in turn was related to self-reported intention to follow the AIS prevention steps. Noticing the signs was also correlated with perceived behavioral control, which means they were likely successful at breaking down the steps to prevent AIS into easy-to-follow steps.

In our analysis considering audiences for AIS, we found that outreach is needed to clarify behaviors related to live bait for transient boaters and anglers. Partnerships with lake associations and interpersonal communication may help improve compliance and clarify bait disposal behaviors, as it was found that highly transient boaters discuss AIS more with family and friends, and they hear more about AIS from lake associations.

Publications