A new poll released this morning shows a sizable majority of US citizens favoring protecting marine areas that have environmental, educational or cultural importance.
Poll respondents want the US government and business to do more to protect the ocean and ensure activities do not harm ocean life, according to the survey conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago for the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.
The nationally representative survey of 1,086 US citizens, the first of its kind, provides in-depth insights about the public’s views of ocean protection and environmental policy.
The survey reveals that US citizens overwhelmingly support policies to reduce water pollution (86%), protect threatened and endangered marine species (85%), and reduce single use plastic pollution (76%).
According to Kris Sarri, president and CEO of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation:
“This poll makes it resoundingly clear that Americans want our government and business leaders to take more action to protect the ocean and all it provides to us. From investing in marine sanctuaries and protecting awe-inspiring species to reducing pollution and addressing climate change, Americans are clear-eyed about what it will take to strengthen conservation efforts. Without stronger federal support and sustainable business practices, our efforts to fight climate change and protect our ocean will undoubtedly fall short. As we celebrate the 50-year anniversary of marine sanctuaries this year, we stand with the overwhelming majority of Americans committed to saving our spectacular places for generations to come.”
Check out the full survey results at www.marinesanctuary.org.
