Additionally, this study relied on self-reported behavioral intentions. We do not

know if boaters receiving the educational treatment actually altered their boating

behaviors or if manatee mortality was affected.

 Association of Experience with Manatees with Knowledge and
 Attitudes and Behavioral Intentions

 Direct experience with nature has been positively related to knowledge and

attitudes (Jacobson et al., 2001; Siemer & Knuth, 2001). Participation in outdoor

recreation activities has been positively associated with environmental attitudes and

behavior (Teisl & O'Brian, 2003). This study revealed no positive associations between

boaters' experience with manatees and their knowledge, attitudes, or behaviors. There are

a number of reasons why experience with manatees may not positively affect knowledge

and attitude or behavioral intentions. Most people (92%) had seen manatees while

boating. The negative influence of the number of times seeing a manatee while boating

and the years of boating experience on attitude could be due to boaters' beliefs that

manatees are readily seen and therefore not threatened. Boaters who had seen manatees

five or less times in the past year had a significantly higher attitude score than people

who had seen them six or more times. Williams, Ericsson, and Heberlein (2002) found a

similar pattern in an analysis of surveys of public support for wolves; people with the

most positive attitudes towards wolves were those with the least direct experience with

them.

 Popular boating areas in Tampa Bay have been declared off-limits or now have

stricter speed zones for manatee protection. These regulations may result in more

negative attitudes among boaters who see manatees frequently and may not perceive

them to be in danger. Some boaters may feel manatees are responsible for regulations