Canadian Perceptions of Marine Mammal

Canadian Perceptions of Marine Mammal Conservation and Management in the Northwest Atlantic

•

»/'

B y Steph en R . K ellert

INTERN ATIO NA L M A R IN E M A M M A L A SSO CIA TIO N inc.

T ech nical R ep ort N o . 91-04

1991

Canadian Perceptions of Marine Mammal Conservation and Management in the Northwest Atlantic By Stephen R. Kellert

INTERNATIO NAL M A R IN E M AM M AL ASSO CIA TIO N inc.

Technical Report No. 91-04

1991

Stephen R. Kellert Yale University o f Forestry & Environmental Studies 205 Prospect Street N ew Haven, Connecticut USA 06511

Cover illustration by Dean Huyck

© In tern a tio n a l Marine Mammal Association Inc. 1991

Contents Introduction........................................................................................................................................................ 1

Methodology................................................................................................................................................. 3

Attitude Question Results General Views o f Marine Mammals....................................................................................................... 5 Harvest and Direct Exploitation o f Marine Mammals............................................................

5

Marine Mammals and Ocean Development........................................................................................ 11 Marine Mammals and Commercial Fishing....................................................................................... 25

Knowledge of Marine Mammals...........................

50

Basic Attitude and Knowledge Scale Results........................................................................................ 53

Conclusions................................................................................................................................................. 63

References.................................

64

Appendix 1: English Version o f Survey........................................................................................................... 69

Appendix 2: Scale Scoring Construction..........................................................................................................82

K ellert

Canadian Perceptions of Marine Mammal Conservation and Management in the Northwest Atlantic Stephen R. Kellert Yale University School o f Forestry & Environmental Studies 205 Prospect Street, New Haven Connectiut, USA 06511

INTRODUCTION The management and conservation o f marine mammals in the northwest Atlantic Ocean has been a source o f considerable debate and, at times, intense controversy (Busch 1985, Hofman and Bonner 1985, Lavigne 1982, Lavigne 1990, M alouf et al. 1986, Mowat 1984). The exploita tion o f harp seals (Phoca groenlandica), particu larly newborn pups on the whelping grounds off the east coast o f Canada, had in the past domi nated this conflict. The harp seal controversy was in many ways among the most emotional and intense wildlife management debates in modem history (Coish 1979, Feltz 1981, Holt and Lavi gne 1982, Tilt and Spotila 1991). Radical shifts in popular sentiment in Europe and the United States eventually resulted in the precipitous decline and near elimination o f the harp seal industry. Current efforts are underway, however, toward possibly reviving this once thriving form o f marine mam mal exploitation. Major changes in public attitudes toward whales, and the near extinction o f several great whale species, also resulted in the near global cessation o f this once widespread "fishery" (Allen 1980, Holt 1977, McGonigle 1980, Norris 1978, Scarff 1980, Kellert 1987). Both the near elimination o f the harp seal and great whale industries reflect dramatic reductions in direct human exploitation

o f marine mammals. As a consequence, direct harvest o f marine mammals for furs, meat, oil and other products, no longer represents the most significant threat to the continued existence o f what Norris (1978: 320) once described as, "no other group o f large animals has had so many o f its members driven to the brink o f extinction." While the controversy associated with the direct exploitation o f marine mammals has dimin ished greatly, a relatively new pattern o f serious challenge to the continued survival o f this group o f animals has emerged. This new threat has, for the most part, been expressed in a variety o f indirect, often habitat-related competitive rela tionships between marine mammals and human development activities including fisheries, oil and gas development, marine pollution, etc. These indirect impacts are frequently subtle, difficult to detect, as well as to monitor and control. Hoffman and Bonner (1985:116) summarize the shift from direct exploitation to more indirect, habitat-re lated threats to marine mammals: "Exploitation, at least for commercial purposes, no longer p oses.. .a serious threat to the continued existence o f any marine mammal species or population. New threats have emerged, however, that are more subtle in their expression but perhaps no less significant. These include: incidental take during fishing operations; entanglement ift lost and dis carded fishing gear; disturbance by boats engaged IM M A T echnical R eport Page 1

C anadian P erceptions

in whale-watching and other activities; and habi tat degradation and destruction due to fishery development, dumping, dredging, offshore oil and gas development and other human activities." Considerable uncertainty regarding the nature and causal relationship o f many o f these indirect impacts has precipitated public and regulatory confusion over the seriousness o f the situation and the most appropriate policy response to take (Beddington et al. 1985, Beverton 1985, Clarke 1985, Hofman 1990, Lavigne 1987, Lavigneand Kovacs 1988). Meanwhile, the development o f new fishing and natural resource technologies in the ocean environment has intensified the basis for conflict and competition between humans and marine mammals. This situation o f management uncertainty and debate has intensified as strong protectionist sentiment toward marine mammals, particularly species in danger o f extinction, has continued to grow and expand among the general populace (Kellert 1990, Ross and Lien 1989, Tilt and Spotila 1991). Relatively new and ambitious regulatory mandates, such as the American Ma rine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), have further exacerbated the scope and emotion o f the management controversy (Fox et al. 1990). Marine mammal management and conserva tion, thus, continues to be exceedingly com pli cated and contentious. In addition to still contro versial issues o f acceptable rates and methods o f direct exploitation, increasing concern has fo cused on many unresolved debates regarding the interaction o f marine mammals and commercial fishing, oil and gas development, and a variety o f other economic development options and impacts in the ocean environment. The marine mammal/commercial fishery issue has especially risen to prominence. Lavigne (1982) broadly identified two major aspects o f this debate: operational and ecological conflicts. Operational controversy has emphasized issues o f marine mammal damage to fishing gear primarily through net entanglement, damage to fish catches, and the incidental catch o f marine mammals. Ecological conflicts have focused on disease trans mission from marine mammals to commercial fish stocks (e .g ., codw orm ,pseudoterranovadeIM M A T echnical R eport P age 2

cipiens), as well as direct competition between marine mammals and commercial operators for target fish species and related food sources. This combination o f scientific uncertainty, important economic development interests, and intense emotional attachments to marine mam mals has produced a highly political and volatile policy and decision-making environment. As Lavigne perceptively noted (1982:318): "The juxtaposition o f a perceived threat, on the one hand, to a food resource and dependent liveli hoods, and on the other, to the protection o f a highly-valued wildlife population and possible other dependent livelihoods, is a conflict that science cannot resolve...It is a conflict that can only be ameliorated through some form o f com promise between concerned parties with conflict ing views or objectives." An inevitable consequence o f this political and decision-making context has been the impor tance o f public perception, understanding and opinion in the policy debate. Most expressions o f public attitude and assumption, however, have been unfortunately manifest through the media or by powerful special interest and lobbying groups. While these forums are certainly important ex pressions o f public concern, they tend to be unduly influenced by differences in political power and, more importantly, often lack the capacity to represent public opinion in a fair, adequate and comprehensive manner. The current study was initiated to provide a thorough scientific basis for assessing the views o f the Canadian public, in addition to those o f important constituent groups, regarding marine mammal management and conservation in the northwest Atlantic. The International Marine Mammal Association provided funding for the study. The principal investigator was chosen because o f his extensive experience conducting unbiased and scientifically-oriented studies o f a wide variety o f wildlife management issues dur ing a 15 year period.

K ellert

METHODOLOGY A survey o f 1,086 adult Canadians was con ducted in the winter, 1991 regarding attitudes, knowledge, and concerns toward marine mam mals and their conservation and management in the northwest Atlantic. The survey was developed following an extensive literature review (see bibliography). Additional background understand ing o f the subject was obtained through personal interviews with a variety o f policy-makers, gov ernment officials, nongovernmental organization representatives, and fishing and sealing industry executives in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Ontario. Four versions o f the survey were constructed. The final survey consisted o f approximately 150 questions covering attitudes toward marine mammals and the ocean environment, knowledge o f marine mammals, animal-related behaviors, and respondent demographic characteristics. Two copies o f the survey, one in English and another in French, are included in Appendix A.Attitude issues covered in the survey included: awareness and concern about the marine mammal/commer cial fishing issue, affection for marine mammals and other animal species, hunting and harvesting o f seals and whales, commercial fishing/marine mammal interactions, commercial fishing policy, marine mammals and oil and gas development, marine mammal entanglement, capture and cap tive display o f marine mammals, endangered marine mammal species conservation and man agement, and protected area designation in the marine environment. Scales were also developed to measure basic attitudes toward marine mammals. Brief defini tions o f the basic attitudes are indicated in Table One, although more detailed descriptions are available elsewhere (Kellert 1980). The attitude scales were constructed based on cluster analysis results that statistically grouped various individ ual attitude questions. Attitude scales consisted o f from 4 to 13 questions. Specific questions used for each attitude scale, scoring procedures, and a correlation matrix o f attitude scales are indicatedin Appendix B.

Questions regarding knowledge o f marine mammals and related issues were also included in the survey. Most knowledge questions consisted o f simple true/false items. One knowledge ques tion covered the endangered status o f varying marine mammal and other wildlife species. True/ false questions were also grouped to provide a scale o f knowledge o f marine mammals. Other survey sections focused on animalrelated activities and respondent demographic characteristics. Animal-related activity questions covered marine mammal viewing and reading, aquarium and zoological park visitation, bird watching, hunting, sport and commercial fishing, and membership in conservation and other ani mal-related organizations. Demographic infor mation included current and childhood population o f town o f residence, occupation, education, income, age, ethnicity, gender, and province o f residence. The survey was conducted by mail for reasons o f economic efficiency and questionnaire length. The mail survey was printed in booklet form and included a 23-page English and a 25-page French version. Randomly sampled respondents received the survey during the months o f January - March, 1991. Distribution o f the survey involved the following four steps: 1) Randomly sampled respondents received a letter explaining the purpose o f the study five days prior to being mailed the survey. 2) An initial survey mailing included a cover letter, a question and answer sheet regarding the purposes o f the study, the survey booklet, a $2 incentive for completing the survey, and a stamped/ self-addressed return envelope. 3) A thank you or reminder letter was sent eight days following the initial survey mailing. 4) Approximately three weeks after the initial survey mailing, all nonrespondents received a second copy o f the survey, another cover letter and question and answer sheet, and a stamped/ self-addressed return envelope. The study sample consisted o f randomly se lected Canadian adults (18 years and older) and a special sample o f sealers. The latter group was included because o f their strong concern for the IM M A Technical R ep o rt Page 3

C anadian P erceptions

issue and the little likelihood o f their being adequately represented in a random sample o f the general public. Mr. Art Pierce, Executive Direc tor o f the Canadian Sealers Association, kindly provided a list o f sealers for random selection purposes. The random sample o f the Canadian adult public was selected from the provinces o f N ew foundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Que bec, Ontario and British Columbia. Insufficient funding precluded sampling from other provinces in Canada. A professional survey research firm — HBRS, Inc. o f Madison, Wisconsin —was chosen to select the random sample, to distribute and administer the survey, and to code the collected data. HBRS was selected because o f its excellent scientific reputation for survey research in the areas o f environment and natural resource conser vation and management. HBRS contracted with Canadian List Serv ices, an organization specializing in providing Canadian samples for survey research firms, to develop a random sample list. The sampling

frame used by Canadian List Services consisted o f all households in the six selected provinces having a listed mailing address as o f December, 1990. The sampling frame consisted o f 5,227,482 house holds. Two hundred and seventy five randomly selected individuals were sent the survey in each o f the six identified provinces. In addition, 175 randomly selected members o f the Canadian Sealers Association received the survey. Approximately 400 surveys sent to members o f the general public were undeliverable. O f the 1200 delivered gen eral public surveys, 956 were completed resulting in a nearly 80% response rate. Seventy individu als refused to participate. N o significant differ ences occurred in response rate by province. Among sealers, two surveys were undeliverable and 130 completed, yielding a 75% response rate. Because the views o f commercial fishermen were particularly important to determine, mem bers o f the general public were distinguished according to their response to the question: "Have you been employed as a commercial fisherman

Table 1. Basic Attitudes Toward Marine Mammals

Dominionistic:

Strong support for the mastery, control and dominance o f marine mam mals, particularly in consumptive use or competitive contexts.

Ecologistic:

Strong interest in the ecological, scientific and conservation value o f mar ine mammals.

Humanistic:

Strong affection for individual marine mammals and their presumed existance value.

Moralistic:

Strong concern for the infliction o f possible harm, cruelty and excessive exploitation o f marine mammals.

Naturalistic:

Strong interest in direct outdoor contact with marine mammals.

Negativistic:

Fear, dislike or indifference toward marine mammals.

Utilitarian:

Strong support for the utilization o f marine mammals, or subordination o f marine mammals for the practical benefit o f humans.

IM M A T echnical R eport P ag e 4

K ellert

during the past two years?" 81 respondents an swered this question in the affirmative. The gen eral public sample was, therefore, reduced to 875 individuals. It should be noted that the "commer cial fishermen" sample consisted o f respondents who reported any degree o f commercial fishing activity during the two year period and, thus, this group consisted o f persons with less than a full time employment in the commercial fishing in dustry.

ATTITUDE QUESTION RESULTS Individual attitude questions included in the survey covered various marine mammal conser vation and commercial fisheries issues in Can ada's northwest Atlantic. Attitude question re sults will be presented in two sections. In this section, individual question findings will be grouped within four broad sections: general feelings about marine mammals, attitudes toward the harvest and direct exploitation o f marine mammals, views about ocean development and marine mammals, and commercial fisheries/marine mammal inter actions. In section five, basic attitudes toward marine mammals will be explored using scales derived from statistical clustering o f the individ ual attitude questions. General Views o f M arine M am m als The results o f section five provide far more insight regarding basic feelings toward marine mammals and, thus, the following question find ings will only be briefly reviewed. Responses to various questions indicated strong positive feel ings for marine mammals, mainly seals and whales, across a broad cross-section o f the Canadian public. This positive sentiment was substantially less apparent, however, among commercial fish ermen and sealers. A general like-dislike question involving a wide range o f species found that threequarters o f the Canadian public expressed consid erable affection for whales and seals. Commercial fishermen and sealers indicated a similar degree o f positive sentiment toward seals, although

commercial fishermen reported relatively greater dislike o f whales. All groups indicated considerable support for the "existence value" o f both whales and seals. As Table 2 reveals, most Canadians agreed with the statement, "I may never see a whale or seal in the North Atlantic, but it is important for me to know they exist." Similarly, the overwhelming major ity supported the notion o f being "proud to live a country that had restored whales and seals to their previous abundance" (Table 3). It should be noted, however, that significantly fewer commer cial fishermen and especially sealers agreed with either statement, particularly the notion o f restor ing whales and seals to their previous abundance. H arvest and D irect Exploitation o f M arine M ammals Several questions explored support for the harvest or direct exploitation o f marine mammals, mainly seals, in the northwest Atlantic. The question result reported in Table 4 explored support for various reasons for harvesting abundant adult seal populations in the northwest Atlantic. Less than a majority o f the general public supported harvest ing abundant seals for their furs or because these animals damaged the nets o f commercial fisher men. On the other hand, substantial majorities approved o f harvesting abundant seal populations for their meat, if the harvest was important for local economies, or when the "harvest [was] part o f the culture o f native peoples." Commercial fishermen and especially sealers overwhelmingly supported all the rationalizations provided for harvesting abundant adult seal populations. Substantial public support for harvesting seals regarded as important to local economies or for maintaining cultural traditions was additionally suggested by the results o f Table 5. The public expressed greater ambivalence, however, when the seal harvest was more narrowly rationalized in terms o f economic benefits provided on a seasonal basis (Table 6). This lack o f support was particu larly evident among younger, better educated, and urban respondents, as well as residents o f Ontario and British Columbia. IM M A Technical R ep o rt Page 5

C anadian Perceptions

Table 2. I may never see whale-seal, but important to know they exist in north Atlantic

% S trongly/ M od. A eree

% S trongly/ M od. D isagree

Sign.

94.4 86.5 90.1

5.6 13.5 9.9

.005

18-35 36-45 46-55 56-65 66 +

94.8 96.4 92.6 93.9 92.2

5.2 3.6 7.4 6.1 7.8

.46

Male Female

94.8 93.7

5.2 6.3

.50

Education < 9th Grade 9-13 w/out cert. 9-13 w / cert. Trade • Other Nonuniv. University

94.9 94.7 95.1 95.1 93.3 93.3

5.1 5.3 4.9 4.9 6.7 6.7

.96

95.0 93.0 95.5 95.8 92.6

5.0 7 .0 4.5 4.2 7.4

.63

Population < 999 1,000 - 4,999 5,000 - 24,999 25,000 - 99,999 100,000 - 499,999 500,000 +

93.0 95.1 96.8 94.5 94.7 9 1 .4

7.0 4.9 3.2 5.5 5.3 8.6

.51

Province Newfoundland New Brunswick Nova Scotia Quebec Ontario British Columbia

90.9 93.2 93.8 96.1 96.9 95.4

9.1 6.8 6.2 3.9 3.1 4.6

.32

General Public Sealers Fishermen Age

Gender

Income < $15,000 $15 - 24,999 $25 - 34,999 $35 - 49,999 $50,000 +

IM M A Technical R eport Page 6

K ellert_______________________________________________________________________ .________________________

Table 3. Proud to live in a country that restored whales and seals to previous abundance.

General Public Sealers Fishermen

% S trongly/ M od. A gree

% Strongly/ M od. D isagree

Sign.

92.1

7.9 31.9 22.9

-o "nO 3» Q. 3 -This survey Is about-marine mammals (such as whales, seals, porpoises and others),----------------commercial fishing and other human activities In the North Atlantic. Before decisions are made or plans are developed regarding marine mammals, commercial fishing and other econom ic activities In the N orth Atlantic, II Is vary Important to consider th e opinions and concerns of the public Whether you know very little about these Issues or you consider yoursell an expert, It Is very Important that we learn vour opinions. We very much appreciate your time and effort In helping us to determine how Canadians feel about these Issues.

1.

5

cod

5

shark

5

polar bear

5

seal

5

deer

5

N othing at all

walrus

5

V ery Utile

trout

5

Som e

bald eagle

5

porpoise

5

black bear

5

sea lion

5

5

A grea t deal

4 How m uch have you heard or read about conflicts between marine mammals (like seals and whales) and com m ercial fishing In the N orth Atlantic? (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER)

-

wolf

1

A fa ir am ount

1

N othin g at all

2

Very little

3

Som e

4

A fa ir am ount

5

A grea t deal

—5 —

< T> CL

5

whale

2

4

O O D c

Like A Great Deal

D islike A Great Deal

Overall, how much d o you care about conflicts between marine mammals (like seals and whales) and commercial fishing In the North Atlantic? (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER)

3

2

Below is a list of marine mammals and other animals. On a scale of 1 to 5. where 1 means you dislike the animal a great deal and 5 means you like It a great deal, how do you feel about each _of_the following ^animals? (CIRCLE ONE NUM BER FOR EACH STATEMENT)___________________

Below are a number of statements, people might make about marine mammals in general, and whales and seals In particular Please indicate how much you agree or disagree with each of the following statements There are no right or wrong answers, we just want your opinion (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER FOR EACH STATEMENT) S trongly Agree

M oderately Agree

M oderately D isagree

S tro n g ly D isagree

No O pinion

I think most whales are strange looking

I think it would be great, if practical, to have a small seal or whale as a'pet

Canadian Perceptions

People occasionally have to hunt animals like seals and whales, or they will lose their fear of man and increasingly become a problem

Appendix

M oderately Agree



No O p inio n

I believe people have the right to exert mastery and control over the marine mammals of the North Atlantic

1

2

3

4

5

I have great affection for marine mammals like whales and seals

1

2

3

4

5

I am not really Interested in marine mammals

1

2

3

4

5

I think H would be scary to see a seal in the wild

1

2

4

5

/

3

I M M A 'T e c h n i c a l R e p o rt Page

I would describe myseff as a person w ho loves animals

1

2

3

4

5

I have Irtlle desire to travel long distances Just to see a seal or whale

1„

2

3

4

5

Whales and seals symbolize to me the beauty and wonder of nature

t

2

3

4

5

I have little interest in teaming about the ecology or population dynamics of whales or seals

1

2

3

4

5

I like to see pictures of whales and seals, but I am not interested in seeing one in the wild 1

f

2

3

4

5

I would be afraid H I was in a small boat and saw a whale In the open ocean

1

2

3

4

5

One has to admire the skill and daring of Newfoundland sealers who hunted seals in wooden boats in the dead of winter

i

2

3

4

5

I would be far more likely to visit Newfoundland or Labrador if 1 knew I could see seals or whales there

1

2

3

4

5

i cannot imagine how some people can say they love animals like whales and seals

1

2

3

4

5

To help us understand your opinions about marine mammals, we would like to learn how much you know about them . Do not be concerned rf you do not know the answers to some of these questions, some people do and some don't.

5

You may have heard or read many different things about marine mammals Based on what you know, do you think each statement below is true or false9 (CIRCLE ONE ANSWER FOR EACH STATEMENT)

True

False

D on’t Know

Most cod in Canada have the disease codworm

T

F

DK

Most of the great whales feed using baleen to filter the water for food while dolphins and porpoises have teeth to pursue marine life

T

F

DK

Harp seals are almost all white throughout their Irfetime

T

F

DK

Humpback and blue whales mostly feed on moderate size lish like salmon and cod

T

F

DK

There are three orders of marine mammals

T

F

DK

Pinniped is the scientific name for a group of animals that includes seals

T

F

DK

Seals frequently damage the nets of commercial fishermen

T

F

DK

Hooded and harp seals have relatively large flippers to help them move on land

T

F

DK

The Atlantic seal hunt was nearly eliminated because of European bans on Importing seal furs

T

F

DK

Seals are largely vegetarian in their diet

T

F

DK

Harp seals are found in the Atlantic and Pacrfic Oceans

T

F

DK

s

1 continued

S trongly Agree

71

IMMA

> TD CD 3 Q.

T e c h n i c a l R e p o rt Page

6

Do you think any of the following animals are generally in danger of becoming extinct in the foreseeable future (t.e , an endangered species)7 (CIRCLE ONE ANSWER FOR EACH STATEMENT)

Yes

No

O on't Know

Y

N

DK

humpback whale

72

caribou

Y

N

DK

grey seal

Y

N

DK

grizzly bear

Y

N

DK

hooded seal

Y

N

DK

red-tailed hawk

Y

N

DK

blue whale

Y

N

DK

moose

Y

N

DK

northern right whale

Y

N

DK

beaver

Y

N

DK

harp seal

Y

N

DK

seagull

Y

N

DK

beluga whale ^

Y

N

DK

S trongly A gree

M oderately Agree


I like the furs of seals because of 1 2 3 “ their warmth and a ttra c th /e n e s s = ^ = ^ ---------------------------—— ———


No O pinion

4 5 ^ ___ — — -_______-

I generally get bored by scientific discussions of marine mammals like seals and whales

1

2

3

4

5

In my opinion, any restriction on

i

2

3

4

5

i

2

3

4

5

^ o

3 “

c~~ 2.

commercial fishing in the North Atlantic to help rare marine mammals could threaten the future of commercial fishing in the Atlantic I am generally opposed to the hunting of any animal regardless of the purpose

How strongly d o you approve or disapprove of harvesting abundant adult seal populations in the North Atlantic for each of the following reasons7 (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER FOR EACH STATEMENT) S trongly Approve

M oderately M oderately S trongly Approve D isapprove D isapprove

No O pinion

/ For their meat This section contains statements about marine mammals, the various methods used to harvest these animals, and the various methods that could be used to protect these animals. In order to make well-informed decisions about marine mammals, commercial fishing, and other economic activities, it Is very Important to consider the opinions and concerns of the public

1

2

3

4

5

For their furs

When they dam age the nets of commercial fishermen 7

Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements NUMBER FOR EACH STATEMENT) $

S trongly Agree

M oderately Agree

M oderately Disagree


No O pinion

t

2

3

4

5

When they are Important to the local econom y

When their harvest is pan of the culture of nath/e peoples

C a n ad ian

I believe the clubbing of seals as a means of killing them Inflicts great suffering on the animals

(CIRCLE ONE

P e rc e p tio n s

Appendix

10

Assume the population of harp seals In the North Atlantic is 3 5 million, and an annual harvest of 150,000 adult harp seals could be allowed without decreasing the overall population of harp seals. How many adult seals would you support being harvested on an annual basis9 (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER)

1

None

2

L ets than 10,000

3

10,000 • 24,099

4

25,000 • 49,999

5

50,000 - 99,999

6

100.000 - 149,999

7

150,000 • 200,000

8

More than 200,000

People have different opinions about harvesting marine mammals Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements. (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER FOR EACH STATEMENT) S tro n g ly Agree I think people can do w ithout luxury products like seal furs, even If the elimination of this Industry economically hurts some people

1

M oderately Agree -

2



No O pinion

3

4

5

IMMA T e c h n ic a l R e p o rt Page

I believe the Issue of conserving seals and whales is being used as a way to stop development In the North Atlantic

1

2

3

4

5

I am opposed to the hunting of baby seals under any circumstance

1

2

3

4

5

I enjoy seeing seals or whales in an aquarium, but I am not very inter ested in learning about the ecology and biology of these animals

1

2

3

4

5

S trongly Agree

M oderately Agree

Canada should not allow foreign fishing fleets In its waters if their fishing activities harm marine mammals

t

2

If a seal species Is abundant. I believe the economic and cultural needs of peoples w ho have tradition ally hunted these animals Justify the continued hunting of seals

t

2

I support the protection of endangered whales in the North Atlantic even H oil development has to be curtailed

1

2

I see nothing wrong with the hunting of seals for sport if the species Is abundant and the hunt is carefully regulated

1

I am opposed to the harvest of abundant seal populations if it results In Canada being harshly criticized In the world press

M oderately Disagree 3

3

S trongly Disagree

No O pinion

4

5

4

5

3

4

5

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

I may never see a whale or seal in the North Atlantic, but it Is . important for me to know they exist there

t

2

3

4

5

Canada's trade with Japan Is too important to limit it because some Japanese fishing boats harm whales or seals

1

2

3

4

5

I would be proud to live In a country that had restored rare whales and seals to their previous abundance

1

2

3

4

5

I am opposed to restoring whales to their previous abundance in the North Atlantic if it results in less commercial fishing

i

2

3

4

5

1 continued

9

73



Page

I believe the proposal to reduce -seal numbers.because they________ supposedly compete with fishing is just an excuse lor resuming the commercial hunting of seals

74

The development of Canada's oftsltore Atlantic oil and gas resources Is just too Important to limit because of Its possible harm lo marine mammals I am opposed to the hunting ol any kind of whale under any circumstance

A Great Threat

Damage to commercial fishing equipment by marine mammals_________

1 2

3 - 1 5

Overfishing by commercial fishermen

1

2

3

1

5

Inadequate knowledge ol the marine environment

1

2

3

1

5

How strongly d o you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about commercial fishing and marine mammals There are no right or wrong answers, we |ust want your opinion (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER FOR EACH STATEMENT)

I see nothing wrong with harvesting the furs o l any age seal It the species Is abundant

11

U tile Threat

No O pinion

1 continued

T e c h n ic a l R e p o rt

M oderately Agree

Appendix

IMMA Strongly Agree

S tro n g ly Agree

M oderately Agree


S trongly Disagree

No O pinion

An Atlantic seal hunt should be allowed H there are no other employment opportunities lor fishermen during the season when the hunt occurs

I doubt that marine mammals do any dam age to commercial fishing

1

2

3

1

5

Fishermen w ho deliberately harm seals or whales caught in their nets should be severely punished

t

2

3

1

5

How much d o you believe the following activities threaten the luture ol commercial fishing in the North Atlantic? Please Indicate on a scale ot 1 to 5, where 1 indicates little threat and 5 Indicates a great threat, how great a threat to the future o l commercial fishing in the North Atlantic Is . . (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER FOR EACH STATEMENT)

Because codw orm Is said to result in annual losses of $50-100 million to the fishing Industry, populations of grey seal that help spread the disease should be reduced

1

2

3

1

5

I am opposed to capturing marine mammals lo r display In aquariums or zoos unless It clearly does no harm to the species and results in measurable educational benefits

I

2

3

Little

Threat Oil and gas development Com petition from marine mammals

A Great Threat

Fishing by foreign countries Pollution ot the marine environment

D cc 3 to C. E 3 "O n -n 0 01 *o 5

3

M oderately Agree



No O pinion

S tro n g ly A gree

Seal populations should not be allowed to Increase In areas where comm ercial fishermen are having difficulty locating fish The protection of an endangered species like a whale must be considered a higher priority than the needs of commercial fishermen

While I d o not agree with the killing of whales for luxury products. I believe that abundant whale species could be killed to provide food for humans

1

A fisherman is justified in killing seals that damage fishing equipment or steal fish from their nets

i

M oderately Agree v


S tro n g ly Disagree

No O pinion

2

3

4

5

2

3

4

5

.

I think using the furs of seals Is no worse than using leather from cows The government should not reduce grey seal populations to decrease the possible spread of codworm, because this is part of the risk of fishing in areas where grey seals occur

13

S tro n g ly A pprove

Unintentional killing of marine mammals In fishermen’s nets Is regrettable, but the economic benefit of using large nets justrfies this impact I support passing a law to protect areas of the ocean important to marine mammals, even If It results in less com mercial activity In these areas

IMMA

I believe the interests of commercial fishermen must be considered before those of whales when they become entangled in fishing nets

Technical Report Page 75

Commercial fishing should not be allowed in areas where seals are found during the season when they are having their young

Marine mammals like whales and seals occasionally become entangled In fishermen's nets This can cause damage to the nets a n d /o r cause the marine mammals to drown How strongly do you approve or disapprove of the following methods which have been proposed to reduce this problem'? (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER FOR EACH STATEMENT)

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

Pav fishermen for nets damaged by whales and seals that become entangled in them

1

Provide Information and materials to fishermen on how to reduce the likelihood of whales and seals becoming entangled In their nets

i

Reauire fishermen to use nets that 1 reduce the likelihood of entanglement, even though these nets may be more expensive

M oderately Approve 2

M oderately S trongly No D isapprove D isapprove O pinion 3,

4

5

2

3

4

5

2

3

4

5

Limit the use of nets that Increase the likelihood of entanglement, even though these nets may catch more fish at lower cost

1

2

3

4

5

Eliminate whales and seals that become entangled in fishermen's nets

1

2

3

4

5

Appendix 1 continued

S trongly A gree


15

The quota tor the amount of fish that can be commercially caught is called a Total Allowable Catch Do you think that the possible Impacts on marine mammals from commercial fishing should be considered when setting the Total Allowable C aich',~(ClRCLE~ONE~NUMBER)-— —

1

No

2

Yes

3

Don't know

_________________ A pprove Increase the use of long line fishing that may more reliably catch cod of a certain age and length

t

Limn fishing lor cod in areas where they reproduce

t

S tro n g ly M o derately M oderately S trongly No A pprove " D isapprove D isa p p ro ve -O p lnio n 2

4

5

3

4

5

/ 2

Canadian management o l marine mammals Is currently based on the Fisheries A c t.' In your opinion, should Canada develop a separate Marine Mammal conservation and protection law? (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER) ■

1

NO

2

Yet

3

Don't know

How Important d o you think each of the following goals should be in Canada s overall com m ercial fishing policy? Please answer on a scale ot 1 to 5. where t means It should have little Im portance In Canada's overall com m ercial fishing poljcy and 5 means it should have great importance (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER FOR EACH STATEMENT)

;

Uttle Im portance

16

3


IMMA 14

Fishing quotas for northern cod have been reduced in recent years because of a concern about their possible decline In population Please Indicate it you approve ot the following methods proposed tor Increasing cod fish populations in the North Atlantic (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER FOR EACH STATEMENT) S trongly Approve

M oderately M oderately S tro n g ly No Approve D isapprove D isapprove O pinion

Strictly limit the number of fishermen allowed to catch cod Reduce the number of foreign (Ishipg vessels in Canadian waters, even though these boats may not be officially Fishing for cod

1

Econom ic considerations, such as the profitability of the lishing industry

1

Employment considerations, such as the number of jobs lor people in the fishing industry

1

Cultural considerations, such as 1 m aintaining traditional fishing com m unities and the fishing way ot life

Reduce the number of seals that may com pete with cod Reduce fishing methods (e g . bottomtrawling) that may damage areas where cod feed or reproduce Reduce fishing methods (e g . large size nets) that may accidentally catch many fish that cod leed on

Ecological consderations. such as the Impacts ol com m ercial fishing on the ocean ecosystem and Its marine mammal species

Great Im portance

1

2

3

4

5

Trade considerations, such as maximizing Canada's export of fishery products

1

Ethical considerations, such as the possible harm and suffering inllicted by commercial fishing on whales and seals

1

n Cn 3 K C£ 3

13 a *on n>

"

2.

o' 3

Strongly Approve 1

2

3

4

S

Restrict oil and gas development from areas where seals often leed

Allow the use of d u b s to reduce the seal populations

1

2

3

4

5

Restrict (he noise from oil and gas development that disturbs seals

Allow the use of poisons to reduce the seal populations

1

2

3

4

5

Use only nonlethal methods, like loud noises to scare away seals or possible contraceptive Injections lo lim it seal populations

i

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

Remove live seals and relocate them elsewhere

I

2

3

4

Strongly Support

Moderately Moderately Support Oppose

Strongly Oppose

No Opinion

IMMA Technical Report Page 77

' i

2

3

4

5

Restrict the noise from oil and gas development that disturbs whales

1

2

3

4

5

Restrict the boat traffic associated with oil and gas development in areas often used by whales

1

3

4

5

Impose major fines lor oil spills in areas where large numbers ol whales are found

2

2

3

4

5

No O pinion

We have a few more questions lo ask you We'd like to learn about your past experiences with marine mammals and fishing We would also like to know about some ol the other wildlife-related activities you may have been Involved with Although you may not have ever had any contact with marine mammals or you don't panicipate in witdltfe-related activities, this survey is being seni lo people all over Canada Therefore, we need to ask the following questions of everyone

20

How many times have you done each of the following activities In the past 5 years9 (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER FOR EACH ACTIVITY)

Never

1-2 times

gone whalewatching'7

t

2

visited an aquarium specifically to see marine mammals'7

1

read books about marine mammals'7 l

S trongly O ppose

Impose major fines for oil spills In areas where large numbers o l seals are (ound

wha'ss Restrict oil and gas development from areas where whales often teed

M oderetely Oppose

Restrict the boat traffic associated with oil and gas development in areas often used by seals

5

Please Indicate If you support or oppose restricting the following oil and gas development operations H these activities resulted in significant harm to marine mammals in the North Atlantic Because some people feel differently about whales and seals, please answer separately for each animal, (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER FOR EACH STATEMENT FOR EACH ANIMAL)

M oderately S upport

Seals

Moderately Moderately Strongly No Approve Disapprove Disepprove Opinion

Use only guns to reduce the seal populations

Do not limit seal populations but financially compensate fishermen . for their losses

19

S tro n g ly S upport

seen any films about marine mammals’7

2

'1 1

2 2

3 or more time9

Don’t Know

3

8

3

8

3

8

3

8


How strongly would you approve or disapprove ol each of the following methods proposed for reducing the number of seals in areas where the seal populations are considered too large and harmful to commercial fishing"7 (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER FOR EACH STATEMENT)

IMMA

> CD


3 Q.

2:

About b ow many species of whales, seals, dolphins and porpoises do you think you can identify’ (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER)

__________ 1— None___ —

__________

24

1

— _______ __________ _____ ____ —

2

-3 species

Y.es — ........... >

How many"days did you sport fish in the past two years7 ‘ (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER)

3

4 - 6 species

1

1 - 2 days

4

7 - 1 0 species

'2

3 - S days

5

11 - 20 species

3

8 - 1 0 days

4

More than 10 days

More than 20 species 3

Don't know

25. Have you blrdwatched In the past two years0 (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER)

,1

No

2

Yes

..........>

Which' of the following equipment did you use7 (CIRCLE ALL THAT APPLY)

1

Binoculars

2

Field gu ides

3

Other (please describe _________________________

26

) 3

23

NO

i

7

Don't know

Have you hunted j

(CIRCLE ONE NUMBER)

No Yes

-

->

I

;

2

8

22

Have you gone sportfishlng In the oast tw o years7 (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER)

o 3

r3 — C

8.

Don't know

Have you been employed as a com m ercial fisherman durlnn the past tw o years7 (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER)

1

No— — > Skip to Question 31

2

Yes

On how many days did you engage In com m ercial fishing during the oast tw o years? (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER)

1

L e ss than 10 days

2

1 0 - 3 0 days

3

1 - 3 months

4

3 - 6 months

5

More than 6 months

H ow m any d ays did you hunt in the past two years7 (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER) 1 - 2 days

27

What were the three types of lish you caught most often while commercial fishing during the past two years7 (FILL IN THE BLANKS)

3 - S days

More than 10 days

3

Don't know

Type 1' __________________________________________________________________ Type 2- __________________________________________________________________ Type 3

__________________________________________________________________

Canadian

6 - 10 days

Perceptions

1

29

30

31

IMMA

32

Less than 1 0 %

4

33

Were either of your parents ever engaged m commercial fishing’ 1

No

2

Yes

3

D on ’t know

(CIRCLE ONE NUMBER)

5 1 -7 5 %

2

1 0 -2 5 %

5 / M ore than

3

26 - 50%

6

75%

'

D on't know

Please indicate the type of fishing gear you most frequently use at the current time ■ ONE NUMBER)

(CIRCLE

34

Have you been a member of a conservation, animal welfare, or other environmental organization during the past tw o years’ (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER)

1

H ook and line

1

No

2

Trawl net

2

Y e s -------------- >

3

G ill net

3

D o n ’t know

Please indicate which organlzation(s)

(FILL IN THE BLANKS)

Please Indicate the size of the fishing vessel you most frequently use at the present time (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER) 1

Less than 1 0 meters

2

1 0 - 2 0 m eters

3

More than 20 m eters

Were you employed as a commercial "fisherman nrior to the past two years’ NUMBER) 1

No--------> Skip to Question 33

2

Yes

In this last section of the survey, we would like to learn more about your background and your current household characteristics. You can be assured that all your answers will be kept confidential This Information will only be used to report comparisons am ong groups of people We will never identify Individuals or households with these responses

(CIRCLE ONE Which category com es closest to the total number of people w ho lived in the city, town, or village where you mainly grew up (until age 16)’ (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER) 1

Less than 500 people

2

500 - 999 people


3

i tooo * 4,999 people

4

5,000 - 9,999 people

Less than 1 year

5

10,000 • 24,999 people

For how many years did you engage in commercial fishing prior to the pasl tw o years’ (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER) f

35

2

1 - 2 years

6

25,000 • 99,999 people

3

3 - 5 years

7

100,000 - 499,999 people

4

6 - 1 0 years

5

More than 1 0 years

8

500,000 o r m ore people

9

D on 't know

K e l l e r t _______________________

In the past two years, about what percentage of your annual household income came from commercial fishing’ (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER)


28

1

L e ss than 500 people

2

500 • 899 people

3

1,000 - 4,999 people

4

40

What Is the highest grade or year of school you have com pleted? (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER)

1

Less than Grade 9

2

Grade 0-13 without secondary school certificate

3 — Grade-tt-13-wtth.aecondarv school c e r t if ic a t e _______________________ 4

5,000 - 9,999 people

Trade certificate or diploma

5

Other nonuniversity education without certificate

6

Other nonunlverelty education with certificate

5

10,000 - 24,999 people

6

25,000 - 99,999 people

7

University education without degree

7

100,000 - 499,999 people

8

University education with degree

8

500,000 or more people

8

Presently a student

0

Don't know 41. What Is your age?

37

Do you rent or own your home? (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER)

1

Rent

2

Own/buying

t

> Approximately how many acres are Included in this property9 (FILL IN BLANK)

-


Which category com es closest lo the population of the place you live now9 (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER)


IMMA 3G

>W hat grade or year? _________________

(C IR C L E O N E N U M B E R )

18 - 25 years old

5 56 - 65 years old

2

2 6 - 3 5 years old

6 66 - 75 years old

3

36 - 45 years old

7 76 years or older

4

46 - 55 years old

___________ Acres 42 38

What do you currently d o lo r a living9 If retired or unemployed, what was your primary occupation9 (FILL IN BLANK)

To w hich ethnic or cultural group(s) do you o r did your ancestors belong? (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER)

British French Other European African 39

Are you the prim ary w age earner in your household9 (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER) 1

2

N o -------------->W hat does the primary wage earner do for a living9 (FILL IN BLANK)

Yes

Aboriginal peoples

Asian Other: (over)

.

n S3 3 » C. 5’ 3 "O n ■n O o* 3

Kellert__________________


i

43

Are you- (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER)

1 . Male 2

Female

44. What was the total 1989 annual household Income, before taxes, of alt members of your immediate family living In your household? (CIRCLE ONE NUMBER)

1

L e ss than $5,000

7 $35,000 - $49,999

2

$5,000 - $9,999

8 $50,000 - $74,999

3

$10,000 - $14,999

9 $75,000 - $100,000

4

$15,000 - $19,999

10 More than $100,000

5

$20,000 - $24,999

99 Choose not to answer

6

$25,000 - $34,999

Oo you have any comments?

TH ANK YOU FOH YOUR HELP1 Please return this survey In the enclosed, self-addressed envelope to: Canadian Marine Environment Study c /o HBRS. Inc University Research Park 585 Science Drive, Suite A Madison, Wl 53711-1060



Appendix 2. Scale construction scoring. Note that all scales have been computed by summing the scores o f the ind ividual items and statndardizing on a 1 point scale, so scoring is on a scale o f 0 to 1.

DOMINIONISTIC SCALE Item

Measurement

People occasionally have to hunt animals like seals and whales, or they will lose theri fear of man and increasingly become a problem.

2 = Strongly agree 2 = Moderately agree

I believe people have the right to exert mastery and control over the marine mammals o f the North Atlantic.


An Atlantic seal hunt should be allowed if there are no other employment opportunities for the fishermen during the season when the hunt occurs.


Fishermen who deliberately harm seals or whales caught in their nets should be severely punished.

2 = Strongly disagree 1 = Moderately disagree

Because codworm I is said to result in annual losses o f $50-100 million to the fishing indus try, populations o f grey seal that help spread the disease should be reduced.


Seal populations should not be allowed to increase in areas where commercial fishermen are having difficulty locating fish.


The government should not reduce grey seal populations to decrease the possible spread of codworm, because this is part o f the risk of fishing in areas where grey seals occur.


A fishermen is ustified in killing seals that damage fishing equipment or steal fish from their nets.


IM M A Technical Report Page 82

Kellert

Appendix 2 continued EC O LO G ISTIC SCALE Item

M easurem ent

I have little interest in learning about the ecol ogy or population dynamics of whales or seals.


I generally get bored by scientific discussions o f marine mammals like seals and whales.


I believe the issue of conserving seals and whales is being used as a way to stop develop ment in the north Atlantic.


I enjoy seeing seals or whales in an aquarium, but I am not very interested in learning about the ecology and biology of these animals.


>

HUM ANISTIC SCALE Item

M easurem ent

I think it would be great, if practical, to have a small seal or whale as a pet.


I have great affection for marine mammals like whales and seals.


*

0

I would describe myself as a person who loves animals.


Whales and seals symbolize to me the beauty and wonder o f nature.


I doubt that marine mammals do any damage to commercial fishing.




Appendiix 2 continued

MORALISTIC SCALE Item

Measurement

One has to admire the skill and courage of Newfoundland sealers who hunted seals n wooden boats in the dead o f winter.

1 = Moderately disagree 1 = Strongly disagree

I believe the clubbing o f seals as a means of killing them inf icts great suffering on the animals.


I am generally opposed to the hunting of any animal regardless of the purpose.


I think people can do without luxury products like seal furs, even if the eliminatiom of this industry economically hurts some people.


I am opposed toj the hunting o f baby seals under any circumstance.

2 1

Strongly agree Moderately agree

If a seal species is abundant, I believe the economic and cultural needs o f people who have traditionally hunted these animals justifies the continued hunting o f seals.

2 1

Strongly disagree Moderately disagree

I see nothing wrong with the hunting of seals for sport if the species is abundant and the hunt is carefullly regulated.


I am opposed to the harvest o f abundant seal populations if it results in Canada being harshly criticized in th world press.

2 1


I believe the proposal to reduce seal numbers because they supposedly compete with fishing is just an excuse for resuming thecommercial hunting o f seals.

1 2


I am opposed to the hunting o f any kind o f whale under any circumstance.

2 1


I see nothing wrong with harvesting the furs o f any age seal if the species is abundant.

2 1

Strongly disagree Moderately disagree


Kellert

Appendix 2 continued M O R A LISTIC SCALE fcont’d) Item

M easurem ent

I think using the furs of seals is no worse than using leather from cows.


Commercial fishing should not be allowed in areas where seals are found during the season when thery are having their young


NATURALISTIC SCALE Item

M easurem ent

I have little desire to travel long distances just to see a seal or whale.


I like to see pictures of whales and seals, but I am not interested in seeing one in the wild.


I would be afraid if I was in a small boat and saw a whale in the open ocean.


I would be far more likely to visit Newfound land or Labrador if I know I could see seals or whales there.


N EG A TIV ISTIC SCALE Item

M easurem ent

I think most whales are strange looking.


I am not really interested in marine mammals.

2 = Strongly agree 2 j= Moderately agree

I think it would be scary to see a seal in the wild.


I cannot imagine how some people can say they love animals like whales and seals




Appendix 2 continued.

!1 1

Item

r

U ----TILITA R IA N SCA LE M easurem ent

In my opinion, any restriction on commercial fishing in the north Atlantic to help rare marine mammals could threaten the future of commer cial fishing in the Atlantic.


I support the protection o f endangered whales in the north Atlantic even if oil development has to be curtailed.

2 = Strongly disagree 1 = Moderately disagree i

Canada's trade with Japan is too important to limit it because some Japanese fishing boats harm whales or seals.


I am opposed to restoring whales to their previous abundance in the in the north Atlantic if it results in less commercial fishing.


The development o f Canada's offshore Atlantic oil and gas resources is just too important to limit because o f its possible harm to marine mammals. j


The protection of an endangered species like a whale must be considered a higher proirity than the needs o f commercial fishermen.


Unintentional killing o f marine mammals in fishermen's nets is regrettable , but the eco nomic benefit of using large nets justifies this impact.


I support passing a law to protect areas of the ocean important to marine mammals, even if it results in less commercial activity in these areas.

2 = Strongly disagree 1 = Moderately disagree "

I believe the interests o f commercial fishermen must be contsidered before those of whales when they become entangled in fishing nets.


Ci / 2 = Strongly agree 1 = Moderately agree

Kellert


CORRELATION MATRIX OF ATTITUDE SCALES MOR UTIL ECOL NEG

MORALISTIC

—

DOM NAT

HUN/

.31

.26

-.13

-.51

.27

.50

—

.29

.30

.58

-.21

-.23

-.43

-.30

.55

.34

UTILITARIAN

-.31

ECOLOGISTIC

.26

-.29

NEGATIVIISTIC

-.13

.30

-.43

—

.30

-.32

-.17

DOMINIOJNISTIC

-.51

.58

-.30

.30

—

-.21

-.29

NATURALISTIC

.27

-.21

.55

-.32

-.21

MUMANISTIC

.50

-.23

.34

-.17

-.29

—

.42 .43

___

✓
