OCEAN PROTECTION IN THE UNITED STATES: Exploring The Public's Thoughts

Americans, regardless of demographics, political party, or geographic location, care deeply about the ocean and its health. They want the government and business to do more to protect the ocean and ensure activities do not harm ocean life, according to a new survey conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago for the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. The nationally representative survey of 1,086 Americans, the first of its kind, provides in-depth insights about the public's views of ocean protection and environmental policy. The findings demonstrate Americans' strong desire for leaders to act to protect the ocean, its health, and the life it sustains and highlight Americans' concern regarding ocean health. The poll shows broad public support for policies that will protect marine environments. The survey reveals that Americans overwhelmingly support policies to reduce water pollution (86%), protect threatened and endangered marine species (85%), and reduce single use plastic pollution (76%). Land-based pollution harms fragile ecosystems and species, and increasingly lead to human health concerns such as harmful algal bloom toxins and contaminated seafood.