A new survey has revealed the overwhelming value the public feel the marine environment offers to their mental and physical health. However, around half of the 12,000 people surveyed also expressed concern, with over 80% of those taking part saying how crucial it is to protect the ocean.

Almost 70% of people see marine litter and plastic pollution as the greatest threats to our marine environment, with over half saying they believe regulating the use of single use plastics is one of the main ways we can address these issues.

The survey, published by Defra in collaboration with the Ocean Conservation Trust, the Scottish Government and Natural Resources Wales, sheds light on public awareness, knowledge and attitudes surrounding the marine environment.

Minister for Marine, Lord Benyon said: “This survey highlights the immense value that the general public place on our ocean and marine environment as well as their willingness to take action to help to preserve it.”

Strong support for the creation of MPAs

Roughly 4 in 5 people believe spending time in the marine environment results in good mental health; and over half found it to be a good source of social connection and a way to spend time with family and friends. Around 70% believe visits to the coast are also good for their physical health. A previous report from Natural England found that 97% of people felt refreshed and revitalised as a result of their visit to England’s coastal path.

The survey also shows that the public consider the ocean and marine environment as fragile resources that are highly valuable when it comes to education, general life enjoyment and overall wellbeing. Many of the respondents have carried out activities to protect the environment, including changes to lifestyle choices and signing petitions, and over 80% said they support the creation of Marine Protected Areas.

Scotland results

The headline report for Scotland shows nearly eight in 10 (79%) are willing to make lifestyle changes and take individual action to protect the marine environment. However, more than half of respondents have never heard of key terms describing the state of our ocean, how we impact it and how it impacts us, such as ‘blue carbon’ and ‘natural capital’.

Helping Scotland become an ‘ocean literate and aware nation’ is a commitment in the Blue Economy Vision to achieve the behaviour change needed to address challenges facing our coast and seas, and sustainably manage ocean resources.

Minister for Environment and Land Reform, Mairi McAllan, said: “The survey shows respondents in Scotland value the marine environment and 85% feel it is important to protect it, so there is a real opportunity to harness our collective appetite for tackling the challenges facing our coasts and seas such as climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.”

Wales results

Welsh respondents value the marine environment, particularly appreciating the physical and mental health benefits it gives them (84% report that visits to the marine environment are good for their mental health and 78% report that visits are good for their physical health). 

The overriding emotional response to the marine environment is concern (48%) followed by awe/wonder (41%). Most (83%) felt that it is important to protect the marine environment. 

Natural Resources Wales has said that the information from these initial surveys will be critical to informing the development of a Welsh vision and strategy for Ocean Literacy. 

Julie James MS, Minister for Climate Change, Welsh Government said: “Building ocean literacy is key to supporting a vibrant connection between people and the sea. This survey provides baseline data which can inform action to strengthen the health and well-being benefits we get from the marine and coastal environments in Wales.”

Resources:

• The Defra Ocean Literacy headline findings can be found here.
• The Scottish Government Ocean Literacy headline findings report can be found here.
• The Natural Resources Wales Ocean Literacy headline findings report can be found here.
• The press release from the Ocean Conservation Trust can be read here.
• Across England, over 7000 people over the age of 16 participated in the online survey; over 3,000 people responded to the Scotland survey; and over 2,000 people responded to the Wales survey.
• Following a pilot survey in 2021, this is the first year that Scottish Government have taken part in the survey, and Northern Ireland also plan to develop their own.
• The survey will be conducted every two years, allowing government to track behaviours and attitudes over time.