Logo image
Back
Community sentiment on whale carcass beach burial and potential shark attraction
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Community sentiment on whale carcass beach burial and potential shark attraction

James P Tucker, Isaac R Santos, Steve C Provost and Paul A Butcher
Regional Studies in Marine Science, Vol.45, pp.1-9
06/2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2021.101817
url
Community sentiment on whale carcassView
Published (Version of record)

Related links

Metrics

22 Record Views

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#14 Life Below Water
#15 Life on Land

Source: InCites

Abstract

Beach users Shark attacks Science communication Coastal management
The disposal of whale carcasses in beach burials has raised perceptions of shark attraction to adjacent waters. Understanding the concerns and perceptions of the community is key to creating sound management practices and educational resources. We surveyed community perception of the disposal of whale carcasses and the factors influencing public opinion. Overall, the community underestimated carcass disposal costs, and considered nonviable methods (oceanic tow and carcass recycling) as their preferred options. Responses were divided into two groups: (1) those previously aware of this management issue, and (2) those unaware. The ‘aware’ group was polarised with strong opinions about the safety of beach burial and its influence on shark attraction. The source of information for respondents drove perceptions with personal opinion being the highest, followed by media, perceived natural processes, and research in the aware group. Expert opinion, and common management practice were the lowest ranked information sources suggesting a lack of access to reliable information, or a disconnect between experts and the external community. Surprisingly, 27.8% of respondents would not change their opinion based on research, emphasising the complexity of the issue and of the relationship between managers and the public. This information will assist managers in the creation of comprehensive management practices, educational resources, communication of facts, and reduction of misconceptions around the disposal of whale carcasses.

Details

Logo image