Authors

• Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE)

Keywords

coasts, ecology, environmental management, professional personnel

Abstract

The survey charted experts' views on ecological thresholds in coastal areas.

First, the perceived importance of various thresholds was examined. The respondents were presented with a two-dimensional graph, which probed their views on the probability of the existence of various thresholds vis-à-vis the capacity of present management and governance structures to prevent exceeding these thresholds. In addition, they were presented with a set of attitudinal statements on exceeding various thresholds. Another two-dimensional graph was used to probe views on the current level of public acceptance of the measures needed to avoid passing ecological thresholds vis-à-vis the level of current scientific knowledge on the measures needed to avoid passing the thresholds. Finally, the respondents were presented with a set of attitudinal statements on the knowledge of ecological thresholds and on management strategies for them.

Background variables included the respondent's gender, age, education, country, and field of expertise.