protection, and (c) increased proconservation behavioral intentions among Tampa Bay

boaters. The study compares boaters in Tampa Bay who have received educational

materials from Manatee Watch with a control group of boaters who have not. We

designed and conducted a survey of boaters to determine if any significant differences

existed as a result of the educational intervention.

 We also examined the influence of experience with manatees, such as swimming

and boating with them, on attitudes and behaviors of boaters. Firsthand experience has

been shown to influence attitudes and behaviors (Jacobson, Monroe, & Marynowski,

2001). "Natural" contact with nature seems to reinforce environmental education and

increase empathy for the conservation of species in the wild (Miles, 1986). Experiential

education programs also have been shown to be successful in increasing knowledge, and

improving attitudes and behavior in regards to wildlife (Ewert, 1996). We assessed

whether direct experience with manatees is positively correlated with knowledge,

attitudes and proconservation behavioral intentions toward manatees (Figure 1).



 Expenence







 Attitude Behavior







 Knowledge


Figure 1. Theoretical model: The role of knowledge, attitudes, and experiences on
 behavioral intentions