wildlife. Experiential programs have resulted in increased knowledge and an

improvement in environmental attitudes on the part of the participants (Knapp & Poff,

2001). We investigated whether direct experience swimming and boating with manatees

influenced boaters' knowledge, attitudes and behavioral intentions.

 Research Objectives

 The objectives of this study were to

 Evaluate the effectiveness of the Manatee Watch Program by determining
 differences in the knowledge, attitudes and behavioral intentions between boaters
 who received the educational intervention and boaters who had not.

* Examine the association of experience of swimming or boating with manatees with
 boaters' knowledge, attitudes and behavioral intentions.

* Describe the sociodemographic background of the boaters and influences on
 knowledge, attitudes and behaviors.

* Explore the association of knowledge about manatees with attitudes and boating
 behaviors.

 S Make recommendations to improve the Manatee Watch Program.