Standard Presentation 2024 Australian Marine Sciences Association Annual Meeting combined with NZMSS

From Awareness to Action: Mobilizing Stewardship for the Great Southern Reef (#394)

Emma Church 1
  1. University of Tasmania & Marine Social Science Network Australia, Hobart

This presentation by Emma Church, focused on the human dimensions of the Great Southern Reef, addresses the need for behavioral change in marine conservation. Set against a backdrop of environmental challenges, the study explores the multifaceted aspects of human interaction with the Great Southern Reef (GSR). It investigates public perceptions, stewardship actions, and effective engagement strategies. The research identifies GSR stewards, outlines stewardship behaviors, and proposes interventions to enhance public participation in reef conservation. This study’s approach to behavioral change combines surveys, literature reviews, and expert elicitation, aiming to bridge the knowledge-action gap in marine conservation. The findings provide a critical roadmap for behavioral strategies that foster sustainability and resilience in marine environments, aligning with the symposium's theme of exploring behavior change in the marine environment.