Panama City Residents', Visitors' and Business Operators' Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harrassment of Wild Dolphins

20111013_Responsive Management final report-PC Survey.pdf

Bottlenose Dolphin Conservation Outreach Survey

Panama City Residents', Visitors' and Business Operators' Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harrassment of Wild Dolphins

OMB: 0648-0594

Document [pdf]

Download: pdf | pdf

PANAMA CITY RESIDENTS’, VISITORS’, AND
BUSINESS OPERATORS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD THE
ILLEGAL FEEDING AND HARASSMENT OF
WILD DOLPHINS

Conducted for the National Marine Fisheries Service
by Responsive Management

2011

PANAMA CITY RESIDENTS’, VISITORS’, AND
BUSINESS OPERATORS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD THE
ILLEGAL FEEDING AND HARASSMENT OF
WILD DOLPHINS

2011

Responsive Management National Office
Mark Damian Duda, Executive Director
Martin Jones, Senior Research Associate
Tom Beppler, Research Associate
Steven J. Bissell, Ph.D., Qualitative Research Associate
Andrea Criscione, Research Associate
Patrick Doherty, Research Associate
Amanda Ritchie, Research Associate
Carol L. Schilli, Research Associate
Tim Winegord, Survey Center Manager
Alison Lanier, Business Manager

130 Franklin Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Phone: 540/432-1888 Fax: 540/432-1892
E-mail: mark@responsivemanagement.com
www.responsivemanagement.com

Acknowledgments
Responsive Management would like to thank Stacey Horstman of the National Marine Fisheries
Service for her input, support, and guidance on this project.

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION AND METHODOLOGY
This study was conducted for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to measure public awareness and knowledge of dolphin
conservation, assess participation in marine recreational activities and interactions with wild
dolphins, and determine the effectiveness of NMFS-supported public outreach efforts. The study
entailed surveys of three groups in Panama City, Florida: residents, visitors to the area, and local
water-based and dolphin-related commercial businesses (alternately referred to as “businesses”
or “business operators” in this report, depending on context).
The principal methodology for conducting the surveys of residents and visitors was an in-person
intercept approach through interviews with randomly selected respondents around various piers,
visitor centers, marinas, and beachside hotels throughout the Panama City metro area. To avoid
any non-response bias and to accommodate individuals who were unable to complete a survey in
person (for instance, when potential respondents were busy with other family members or were
simply unable to spare enough time to be interviewed), follow-up telephone interviews of
residents and visitors were used to the supplement the intercept surveys. The surveys were
administered throughout four seasonal data collection periods from November 2010 to July
2011. The survey of commercial businesses was conducted both on-site in Panama City as well
as via telephone interviews scheduled with business owners and managers at their convenience.
All three survey questionnaires were developed cooperatively by NMFS and Responsive
Management. Responsive Management obtained a total of 465 completed interviews, including
205 interviews with Panama City residents, 171 with visitors to Panama City, and 89 with
commercial businesses located in Panama City. The software used for entry of the hard copy
survey data and for the telephone interviews was Questionnaire Programming Language (QPL).
The analysis of data was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences as well as
proprietary software developed by Responsive Management.
For the resident and visitor surveys, nonparametric analyses were run to examine how the
various responses to questions related to participatory and demographic characteristics and

Responsive Management

opinions. Responses for selected questions were tested by means of z-scores for relationships to
various characteristics (i.e., the characteristics as revealed by responses to other questions,
including a series of demographic questions). The variables that were run in the nonparametric
analyses of resident and visitor survey results are shown on page 10 of this report; an explanation
of how to interpret the nonparametric analysis results is provided on page 14.
For the survey of commercial businesses, crosstabulations were run on some questions to
determine any pertinent differences in answers based on key variables among respondents.
These crosstabulations included the type or category of business, the number of years the
business had been in operation (i.e., whether the business had been in operation above or below
the median number of 13 years), and whether the business was vessel-based.
CONCERN FOR THE PROTECTION OF WILD DOLPHINS
¾ Large majorities of the three groups surveyed (residents, visitors, and business operators) say
they are concerned about protecting wild dolphins, with respondents from each group most
commonly saying they are very concerned.
o

The nonparametric analysis found that, among both residents and visitors, those very
concerned about protecting wild dolphins are also more likely to be very interested in
closely interacting with dolphins in the wild. Residents and visitors very concerned
about protecting wild dolphins are also more likely to be members of or to have
donated to a boating, fishing, recreation, or conservation organization.

Conversely, residents who say they are not at all concerned about protecting wild
dolphins are more likely to be 65 years old or older.

The crosstabulations revealed that, among commercial businesses, water-related
rentals (e.g., boats, jet skis, or kayaks) and guided tours or excursions (e.g., diving,
wildlife viewing, dolphin tours) are the types of businesses most likely to be very
concerned about protecting wild dolphins. Conversely, chartered fishing trip
providers appear the least likely to indicate being concerned about protecting wild
dolphins. (The other business types included hospitality or tourism services, such as
retailers, restaurants, or vacation rentals; and marine-related services, such as those
providing boating lessons, license courses, or operators of piers or marinas).

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins
o

iii

Operators of newer businesses (i.e., those that had been in operation for the median of
13 years or less), compared to operators of older businesses (i.e., those that had been
in operation for more than the median of 13 years), appear more likely to be very
concerned about protecting wild dolphins. (Operators of older businesses are more
likely to say they are somewhat concerned about protecting wild dolphins.)

Operators of non-vessel-based businesses, compared to operators of vessel-based
businesses, appear slightly more likely to be very or somewhat concerned about
protecting wild dolphins.

INTEREST IN FEEDING AND INTERACTING WITH WILD DOLPHINS
¾ Although both residents and visitors most commonly say they are not at all interested in
feeding dolphins in the wild, visitors appear more likely than residents to express some
interest in doing so. Residents, on the other hand, appear more likely to say they are not at
all interested in feeding dolphins in the wild.
¾ Regarding closely interacting with dolphins in the wild (i.e., swimming with, touching, or
petting them), respondents in both groups most commonly say they are not at all interested.
However, visitors, compared to residents, appear slightly more likely to be somewhat
interested in doing so.
o

The nonparametric analysis found that residents and visitors who say they are very
interested in closely interacting with dolphins in the wild are also more likely to have
viewed dolphins on their own in the Panama City area in the past two years; to be
very concerned about protecting wild dolphins; to be very interested in feeding
dolphins in the wild; and to be younger than 55 years old.

SOURCES OF INTEREST AND INFORMATION ABOUT WILD DOLPHINS AND
DOLPHIN-HUMAN INTERACTIONS
¾ Residents who say they are interested in feeding and/or closely interacting with dolphins in
the wild most commonly say their interest was created by television, movies, aquariums,
general word of mouth, or personal experiences.

Responsive Management

¾ Visitors who say they are interested in feeding and/or closely interacting with dolphins in the
wild most often say their interest was created by television, aquariums, general word of
mouth, or zoos or wildlife parks.
¾ A specific list of information sources was read to respondents in each group asking whether
they had heard or read about feeding dolphins. The list included signs, brochures, public
service announcements, zoological or nature centers, the Internet, television news, newspaper
articles, or “other” sources (for which respondents could fill in their own response).
•

Residents most commonly hear or read about feeding dolphins from television news,
newspaper articles, public service announcements, or signs.
o

The nonparametric analysis found that residents who have heard or read about
feeding dolphins from public service announcements were more likely to correctly
indicate, in later questions, that both feeding and swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins in the wild are illegal and harmful. Residents who have heard or read about
feeding dolphins from public service announcements are also more likely to be
employed and younger than 65 years old.

•

Visitors most commonly say they are unsure whether they have heard or read about
feeding dolphins from the sources on the list; otherwise, they most often hear or read
about feeding dolphins from television news or the Internet.

•

Business operators most commonly hear or read about feeding dolphins from brochures,
signs, newspaper articles, or television news.

(Graphs showing rankings of the specific sub-types within the main lists of sources from which
respondents heard or read about feeding dolphins begin on page 42 of this report.)
¾ Among the three respondent groups, residents are the least likely to have heard or read
something that makes it seem that it is all right to swim with, touch, or pet dolphins in the
wild, and business operators are the most likely to have heard or read something pertaining to
this. (While 23% of residents have heard or read something that makes it seem that it is all
right to swim with, touch, or pet dolphins in the wild, 29% of visitors and 38% of business
operators say they same.)

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins
o

The crosstabulations found that, among commercial business operators, water-related
rentals (e.g., boats, jet skis, or kayaks) and marine-related services (e.g., those
providing boating lessons, license courses, or operators of piers or marinas) are the
types of businesses most likely to have heard or read something that makes it seem
that it is all right to swim with, touch, or pet dolphins in the wild.

Operators of vessel-based businesses, compared to operators of non-vessel-based
businesses, appear more likely to have heard or read something that makes it seem
that it is all right to swim with, touch, or pet dolphins in the wild.

¾ Residents who have heard or read something that makes it seem that it is all right to swim
with, touch, or pet dolphins in the wild most commonly say they heard or read the
information on television, through commercial tour operations, at aquariums, or through
general word of mouth.
¾ Visitors who have heard or read something that makes it seem that it is all right to swim with,
touch, or pet dolphins in the wild most commonly say they heard or read the information on
television, through general word of mouth, through commercial tour operations, or through
advertisements.
¾ Business operators who have heard or read something that makes it seem that it is all right to
swim with, touch, or pet dolphins in the wild most commonly say they heard or read the
information through advertisements (by far the most common source cited by this group),
television, commercial tour operations, and magazines.
¾ As before, the same list of specific information sources was read to all respondents in each
group, not just those who had previously heard or read something that makes it seem that it is
all right to swim with, touch, or pet dolphins in the wild. For each source, respondents were
asked if they had heard or read about swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins:
•

Residents most commonly hear or read about swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins from television news, newspaper articles, public service announcements, and
signs.

Responsive Management
•

Visitors most commonly say they are unsure whether they have heard or read about
swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins from the sources on the list; otherwise,
they most commonly hear or read about swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins
from television news, brochures, and the Internet.

•

Business operators most commonly hear or read about swimming with, touching, or
petting dolphins from brochures, signs, television news, and public service
announcements.

(Graphs showing rankings of the specific sub-types within the main lists of sources from which
respondents heard or read about swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins begin on page 57
of this report.)

KNOWLEDGE OF THE LEGALITY OF DOLPHIN-HUMAN INTERACTIONS
¾ All three surveys included questions assessing respondents’ knowledge of laws regarding
feeding and interacting with dolphins; for each question, respondents were given a list of four
statements and asked to choose the one that was true in the United States. The statements
read as follows (note that “feeding dolphins in the wild” and “swimming with, touching, or
petting dolphins in the wild” were asked about in separate questions):
•

Feeding dolphins / swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild is illegal but
not harmful.

•

Feeding dolphins / swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild is not illegal
but is harmful.

•

Feeding dolphins / swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild is illegal
and harmful.

•

Feeding dolphins / swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild is not illegal
nor harmful.

¾ Regarding the legality of feeding dolphins, more than half of residents and business operators
give the correct answer (that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal and harmful), while
visitors most commonly say that they do not know.

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins
•

vii

While 56% of residents correctly answer that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal and
harmful, about a fifth (18%) say they do not know. Otherwise, smaller percentages think
it is illegal but not harmful (11%), not illegal but is harmful (10%), or not illegal nor
harmful (5%).
o

The nonparametric analysis found that residents who know that feeding dolphins in
the wild is illegal and harmful are more likely to have gotten information about
feeding dolphins from a public service announcement (an outreach method to which
NFMS has devoted rather substantial effort in recent years). (Conversely, residents
who did not indicate that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal and harmful were
more likely to have not gotten information about feeding dolphins from a public
service announcement.)

•

Visitors show a greater range in their answers: while they most often say they are unsure
(31%), the next most common answer is the correct one, that feeding dolphins in the wild
is illegal and harmful (27% of visitors give this answer). Meanwhile, close to a fifth of
visitors either say that feeding dolphins in the wild is not illegal but is harmful (18%) or
is not illegal nor harmful (17%). The remaining 6% think it is illegal but not harmful.
o

The nonparametric analysis found that visitors who know that feeding dolphins in the
wild is illegal and harmful were more likely to be employed, while visitors who did
not indicate that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal and harmful were more likely
to not indicate being employed.

•

While the vast majority of business operators are aware that feeding dolphins is illegal,
opinion is split regarding whether or not it is harmful: while 55% of business operators
correctly think that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal and harmful, 40% say it is
illegal but not harmful.
o

The crosstabulations found that, among commercial businesses, providers of
chartered fishing trips, compared to the other types of businesses, appear the most
likely to think that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal but not harmful. Similarly,
operators of vessel-based businesses appear more likely than operators of non-vesselbased businesses to believe that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal but not harmful
(operators of non-vessel-based businesses appear more likely to know that it is illegal
and harmful to feed dolphins in the wild).

viii

Responsive Management

¾ Respondents from all three groups most often give the correct answer to the next question
regarding the legality of swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild (that it is
illegal and harmful). However, notable percentages of respondents from each group give
other answers as well:
•

Among residents, 41% answer correctly, while 20% are unsure. Meanwhile, 14% think it
is not illegal but is harmful, 13% think it is illegal but not harmful, and 12% think it is
not illegal nor harmful.
o

The nonparametric analysis found that residents who know that swimming with,
touching, or petting dolphins in the wild is illegal and harmful were more likely to
have at least a bachelor’s degree, more likely to be employed, and more likely to have
gotten information about swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins from a public
service announcement.

•

While a third of visitors (33%) give the correct answer, 23% are unsure, with a further
23% thinking that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild is not illegal
but is harmful. Additionally, 15% say it is not illegal nor harmful, with 6% saying that it
is illegal but not harmful.
o

The nonparametric analysis found that visitors who know that swimming with,
touching, or petting dolphins in the wild is illegal and harmful were more likely to
not indicate visiting the Panama City area for pleasure.

•

Among business operators, 39% answer correctly, with a further third (31%) saying that
swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild is illegal but not harmful.
Otherwise, smaller percentages think it is not illegal nor harmful (11%), not illegal but is
harmful (9%), or were unsure or did not respond (9%).
o

The crosstabulations found that operators of commercial businesses that had been in
operation for more than the median of 13 years, compared to operators of businesses
operating for the median of 13 years or less, appeared more likely to know that
swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild is illegal and harmful.

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

PARTICIPATION IN WATER-BASED RECREATION AND DOLPHIN-RELATED
ACTIVITIES
¾ The top water-based recreational activities in which residents had participated in the Panama
City area in the past two years were swimming at the beach, fishing, swimming from a boat,
and snorkeling. Over a quarter of the resident sample had not participated in any of the
activities the survey asked about within the past two years in Panama City.
¾ About one in ten residents had viewed dolphins as part of a paid wild dolphin-viewing tour in
the Panama City area in the past two years (most of this group took part in a boat-based tour
of some type). In the same time period, however, a quarter of residents went out specifically
to view wild dolphins but not as part of a paid dolphin-viewing tour: the most common types
of these outings were on boats belonging to the respondent or someone in the respondent’s
group, from a beach, pier, or shore, or from a jet ski.
•

Most residents who participated in wild dolphin-related activities in the Panama City area
in the past two years did so no more than five times.

•

Just 8% of the resident sample had participated in wild dolphin-related activities in a
location other than the Panama City area (excluding theme parks) in the two years prior
to the survey, and the most common of these activities included viewing dolphins from a
beach, pier, or shore and viewing dolphins from a type of boat other than a jet ski or
kayak. Residents who engaged in wild dolphin-related activities other than in the
Panama City area most often did so at other locations in Florida, or indicated no specific
location (i.e., they viewed dolphins while participating in some other activity).

¾ The top water-based recreational activities in which visitors participated in the Panama City
area in the past two years were swimming at the beach and fishing. A third of the visitors
surveyed had not participated in any of the activities listed.
¾ The vast majority of the visitors surveyed indicated visiting the Panama City metro area for
pleasure (as opposed to work). Among those who visited the Panama City metro area for
pleasure, small percentages indicated that viewing dolphins in the wild was either their main
reason (9%) or one of their reasons (9%) for visiting. Among visitors who visited the area

Responsive Management
for pleasure and who indicated that viewing dolphins was the main reason or one of the main
reasons for visiting, 18% viewed dolphins as part of a paid dolphin-viewing tour, and 18%
viewed dolphins from another type of boat. Much smaller numbers of individuals within this
group viewed dolphins from a jet ski, from a kayak, swam with dolphins in the wild,
snorkeled with dolphins in the wild, or scuba dove with dolphins in the wild. Otherwise,
64% of visitors who visited the Panama City metro area for pleasure and who indicated that
viewing dolphins was the main reason or one of the main reasons for visiting did not engage
in any dolphin-viewing activities.

¾ Among all visitors surveyed (not just those who visited Panama City for pleasure or who
visited for dolphin-related reasons), 12% viewed dolphins as part of a paid wild dolphinviewing tour in the Panama City area in the past two years. In the same time period, 13% of
visitors have gone out specifically to view wild dolphins but not as part of a paid dolphinviewing tour: the most common types of these outings are from a beach, pier, or shore, or
from a boat belonging to the respondent or someone in their group.
•

Half of those visitors who participated in wild dolphin-related activities in the Panama
City area in the past two years did so just once.

•

Just over a tenth of visitors (12%) participated in wild dolphin-related activities in a
location other than the Panama City area (excluding theme parks) in the two years prior
to the survey, with the most common of these activities being viewing dolphins as part of
a paid dolphin-viewing tour , viewing dolphins from a beach, pier, or shore, and viewing
dolphins from a type of boat other than a jet ski or kayak. Visitors who engaged in wild
dolphin-related activities other than in the Panama City area most often did so at other
locations in Florida, in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, or Central America, or in no
specific location (i.e., they viewed dolphins while participating in some other activity).

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Respondents were instructed to indicate whether each factor would be a major factor, a
minor factor, or not a factor at all.
¾ Only one item was considered a major factor by a majority of both residents and visitors: if
the company provided educational information about dolphins (57% of residents and 63% of
visitors said this would be a major factor). The other factors—including the cost of the trip
and how close customers would be able to get to the dolphins—were considered to be major
factors by less than a majority of each respondent group. Thus, the availability of
educational information about dolphins appears to outweigh the importance of both trip cost
and proximity to dolphins when residents and visitors select a business for a dolphin viewing
trip.

COMMERCIAL BUSINESS’ CURRENT PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC EDUCATION
¾ Just over half of the commercial business operators surveyed inform guests how to view wild
dolphins without disturbing them all the time, while more than three-quarters inform guests
about this at least some of the time. Similarly, half of the business operators surveyed inform
guests why it is important to not disturb dolphins in the wild when viewing them all the time,
while over two-thirds do so at least some of the time.
•

The most common educational methods/materials used by commercial businesses include
onboard educational commentary and educational brochures or pamphlets. At the same
time, about a quarter of businesses do not provide any methods or materials.
o

The crosstabulations found that operators of water-related rentals (e.g., boats, jet skis,
kayaks) and guided tours or excursions (e.g., diving, wildlife viewing, dolphin tours),
compared to the other types of businesses, appear more likely to inform guests how to
view dolphins without disturbing them all the time, and more likely to inform guests
why it is important to not disturb dolphins in the wild when viewing them all the
time.

xii

Responsive Management
likely to inform guests why it is important to not disturb dolphins in the wild when
viewing them all the time.
o

Operators of non-vessel-based businesses, compared to operators of vessel-based
businesses, appear more likely to say that they inform guests how to view dolphins
without disturbing them none of the time.

COMMERCIAL BUSINESS’ WILLINGNESS TO PARTICIPATE IN EDUCATIONAL
WORKSHOPS AND PUBLIC EDUCATION
¾ Almost half of the business operators surveyed are willing to participate in a one-time
educational workshop on how to view wild dolphins without disturbing them if the workshop
was free of charge. However, just 10% would be willing to participate if the workshop were
offered at a low cost. Meanwhile, 43% of business operators are not willing to participate in
such a workshop.
•

Those who indicated being willing to participate in an educational workshop were asked
what they thought would be a reasonable cost for a half-day workshop, and the median
dollar amount response was $45.
o

¾ A majority of the business operators surveyed (58%) said they would be willing to provide,
display, or play pre-recorded educational materials to guests if provided with such materials
free of charge.
•

Those willing to provide, display, or play such educational materials were asked which
types they would be willing to distribute to the public, and the top answers were
educational brochures or pamphlets, signs, stickers/vessel decals, and posters.

COMMERCIAL BUSINESS ATTITUDES TOWARD AND WILLINGNESS TO
PARTICIPATE IN RESPONSIBLE VIEWING AND ADVERTISING
¾ When asked about a hypothetical incentive program for businesses that voluntarily help to
enhance dolphin conservation by promoting responsible viewing and advertising and

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

xiii

providing guests with educational materials, business operators most commonly say that such
a program would be extremely (38%) or moderately (25%) valuable. In total, more than
three-quarters of the businesses surveyed view such a program as at least a little valuable.
o

Operators of businesses that have been in operation for the median of 13 years or less,
compared to operators of older businesses, appear more likely to view the
hypothetical responsible viewing incentive program as extremely valuable.

Operators of non-vessel-based businesses, compared to operators of vessel-based
businesses, appear more likely to view the hypothetical responsible viewing incentive
program as extremely valuable.

¾ Business operators were asked to rate as very, somewhat, a little, or not at all important three
factors potentially influencing their decision to take part in such a program: if the program
had a low cost to participate, whether or not they personally saw the value in responsible
viewing techniques, and if the program might cause them to lose business. Of these, the only
factor to be rated as very important by a majority of the business operators surveyed was if
the program might cause them to lose business (just over half of business operators describe
this as a very important factor). The two other factors—whether or not the business operator
saw the value in responsible viewing techniques and if the program had a low cost to
participate—were rated as very important factors by 42% and 30% of the business operator
sample, respectively.
o

The crosstabulations found that operators of businesses that have been in operation
for the median of 13 years or less, compared to operators of older businesses, appear
more likely to consider each of the three factors to be very important factors (that the
program might cause them to lose business, whether or not they personally saw the
value in responsible viewing techniques, and if the program had a low cost to
participate).

xiv

Responsive Management
o

Operators of vessel-based businesses, compared to operators of non-vessel-based
businesses, appear more likely to consider if the program might cause them to lose
business as a very important factor, and less likely to consider if the program had a
low cost to participate as a very important factor potentially influencing their decision
to take part in such a program.

In the ranking by the percentage rating each delivery method as very effective, the topranked delivery methods among residents include signs at marinas and boat ramps (rated
as very effective by 60% of residents), information provided as part of boating safety
education courses (57%), and public service announcements on TV (50%).

•

Among visitors, the top-ranked delivery methods were the Internet (rated as very
effective by 59% of visitors), information provided as part of boating safety education
courses (59%), signs at marinas and boat ramps (55%), public service announcements on
TV (54%), and news reports on TV (52%).

•

Just two delivery methods stood out as the most important delivery methods rated as very
important by business operators: signs at marinas and boat ramps (rated as very effective
by 51% of business operators) and information provided as part of boating safety
education courses (49%).
o

The crosstabulations found that operators of guided tours or excursions (e.g., diving,
wildlife viewing, dolphin tours), compared to the other types of businesses, appear
more likely to view information provided as part of boating safety education courses
as a very effective delivery method. At the same time, operators of hospitality/tourist
services businesses (e.g., retailers, restaurants, vacation rentals), compared to the
other types of businesses, appear more likely to view signs at marinas and boat ramps
as a very effective delivery method.

Operators of businesses that have been in operation for the median of 13 years or less,
compared to operators of older businesses, appear more likely to consider billboards
to be a very effective delivery method. On the other hand, operators of businesses

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

that have been in operation for more than the median of 13 years appear more likely
to public service announcements on TV, radio, or in magazines and newspapers to be
very effective delivery methods.
o

Operators of non-vessel-based businesses, compared to operators of vessel-based
businesses, appear more likely to consider information provided as part of boating
safety education courses, signs at marinas and boat ramps, public service
announcements on TV, news reports on TV, and social media (e.g., Facebook,
Twitter, podcasts) to be very effective delivery methods.

xvi

Responsive Management

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction and Methodology ........................................................................................................1
Questionnaire Design ..............................................................................................................2
Survey Sampling Methodology...............................................................................................2
Panama City Residents and Visitors ...............................................................................2
Panama City Commercial Businesses.............................................................................5
Interviewing Dates and Times.................................................................................................6
Follow-up Telephone Interviews.............................................................................................6
Data Analysis...........................................................................................................................7
Nonparametric Analysis ..........................................................................................................8
Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results .........................................................14
Notes on Reading the Report.................................................................................................15
Attitudes Toward and Interest in Wild Dolphins and Dolphin-Human Interactions .....................17
Concern for the Protection of Wild Dolphins........................................................................17
Interest in Feeding and Interacting With Wild Dolphins ......................................................18
Sources of Interest and Information About Wild Dolphins and
Dolphin-Human Interactions ...........................................................................................19
Knowledge of the Legality of Dolphin-Human Interactions .........................................................65
Participation in Water-based Recreation and Dolphin-related Activities......................................80
Residents’ and Visitors’ Attitudes Toward Factors Influencing Their Use of
Businesses That Practice Responsible Dolphin Viewing ........................................................96
Commercial Business Attitudes Toward Public Education and Responsible
Dolphin Viewing....................................................................................................................106
Current Participation in Public Education...........................................................................106
Willingness to Participate in Educational Workshops and Public Education .....................106
Attitudes Toward and Willingness to Participate in Responsible
Viewing and Advertising...............................................................................................107
Opinions on the Effectiveness of Various Outreach Methods.....................................................145
Demographic and Respondent Data.............................................................................................154
Resident Demographics.......................................................................................................154
Visitor Demographics and Panama City Trip Characteristics.............................................155
Characteristics of Commercial Businesses Surveyed..........................................................157
About Responsive Management ..................................................................................................204

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

INTRODUCTION AND METHODOLOGY
This study was conducted for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to measure public awareness and knowledge of dolphin
conservation, assess participation in marine recreational activities and interactions with wild
dolphins, and determine the effectiveness of NMFS-supported public outreach efforts.
Specifically, the study was conducted to better understand the different audiences that participate
in dolphin feeding and interactive activities with dolphins that in many cases amount to
inadvertent harassment. A further objective of the research was to assess the effectiveness of
outreach tools implemented as part of the “Protect Dolphins” campaign, and to determine if there
are more appropriate or effective outreach tools that may better convey campaign messages to
target audiences. Findings from this study will assist in the development of future outreach and
campaign activities in Panama City, Florida and in other areas of the southeast United States.
Dolphin interactions with humans during commercial fishing operations or recreational marine
activities are not uncommon due, in part, to the species’ ubiquity in coastal waters and public
affinity for this mammal. Further, coastal areas such as Panama City often promote attractions
that may include dolphin viewing and/or swimming with dolphins. However, dolphins are
protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), with dolphin-human interaction
regulated by the laws and guidelines mandated by the MMPA. Accordingly, over the past
decade, NMFS has pursued a nationwide campaign to educate the public about the problems
with feeding dolphins in the wild. Feeding and harassing wild dolphins (i.e., swimming with,
touching, or petting them through means of close interaction) have been designated as actions
harmful to the species and are therefore illegal under MMPA regulation 50 CFR 216. The
“Protect Dolphins” campaign was initiated in 1997 and has entailed a series of outreach and
communications strategies, including the development of dolphin viewing guidelines, a focused
media campaign including public service announcements, and a series of town hall meetings
designed to increase public awareness regarding the illegal feeding and harassment of wild
dolphins. The central goal of the media campaign has been to educate the public and encourage
responsible behaviors regarding these protected animals.

Responsive Management

By exploring public awareness of and access to information concerning laws regulating the
illegal feeding and harassment of wild dolphins, this study’s purpose is to determine additional
or new approaches to outreach and communication regarding these conservation concerns. The
study entailed surveys of Panama City residents, visitors to Panama City, and commercial
businesses located in Panama City. Specific aspects of the research methodology are discussed
below.

QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGN
The study entailed three separate surveys developed for each respondent group (residents,
visitors, and commercial business operators). The survey questionnaires were developed
cooperatively by NMFS and Responsive Management, based on the research team’s familiarity
with public studies regarding natural resources and wildlife as well as the overall objectives of
the project. Responsive Management conducted pre-tests of the questionnaire to ensure proper
wording, flow, and logic in the survey.

SURVEY SAMPLING METHODOLOGY
Panama City Residents and Visitors
The resident and visitor surveys were conducted primarily through intercept interviews with
randomly selected respondents, administered on-site in Panama City, Florida during four
seasonal data collection periods. Intercept surveys are often employed when respondents cannot
be easily reached at a later time because contact information is unavailable (e.g., visitors in a
particular area). For this project, intercept surveys were conducted at locations in Panama City
where individuals at least 18 years old were likely to have participated or be interested in waterbased or dolphin-related activities relevant to the project.
Intercept surveys offer data acquisition at the place of interaction and allow for a qualitative
assessment of respondents’ answers. Also, proximity in geography and time allows for
experiences, opinions, attitudes, and behaviors to be captured immediately before the effects of
time may have lessened respondent reactions.

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Responsive Management used random sampling to collect data representative of the general
population and to ensure that local residents of and visitors to Panama City had equal chances of
being selected for an interview. A key methodological parameter of the intercept interviews was
to ensure that each selected respondent was not in any way affiliated with the previous
respondent. Random sampling was accomplished through a systemized numerical approach used
to dictate the individuals who were asked to complete a survey. In-person intercept surveys were
conducted at or around various piers, visitor centers, marinas, and beachside hotels throughout
the Panama City metro area. Further, to ensure an adequate representation of local residents and
visitors among various seasons and times, surveys were conducted during four seasons from
2010-2011. To randomly identify respondents, interviewers canvassed high-traffic areas within
Panama City, including locations along Front Beach Road (including the Pier Park shopping
area), Thomas Drive, North Lagoon Drive, Upper Grand Lagoon, Lower Grand Lagoon, and
around St. Andrew Bay. Inland locations were also visited in an effort to avoid a bias of
including only those respondents near beaches; these locations included the Miracle Strip
Business Plaza and the Promenade Shopping Mall, among others.
The following maps show some of the primary areas targeted for intercept interviews:

Fig. 1.1 Panama City Overall Sampling Area

Source: Google Maps

Responsive Management
Fig. 1.2 Panama City Beachfront Sampling Areas

The researchers surveyed
individuals at numerous locations
along Front Beach Road, primarily
near establishments such as Gulf
World and Sharky’s. Many
interviews were conducted at Pier
Park, a high-traffic shopping area.
Source: Google Maps

Fig. 1.3 Panama City Inland Sampling Areas

Surveys were conducted at inland
locations such as the Miracle Strip
Business Plaza and the Promenade
Shopping Mall to avoid a bias of
sampling only those along the
beach.
Source: Google Maps

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Because some people approached for an intercept survey were unable to complete the in-person
interview (for example, individuals on vacation with their family or parents with children), the
researchers prepared an alternative by providing these potential respondents with the option of
being called to complete an interview later at a time more convenient to them. In such situations,
the interviewer obtained the respondents’ names and numbers so that a telephone survey could
be completed a few days later. Although every effort was made to encourage the completion of a
survey in real-time during the intercept interview, follow-up telephone surveys were used to
supplement the sample as a means of ensuring that the survey results were not biased toward
only those individuals able to participate in the on-site intercept interviews.

Panama City Commercial Businesses
The sample of commercial businesses was developed by Responsive Management, based in part
on records maintained and supplied by NMFS for the project. For this respondent group, an
attempt was made to conduct a census of businesses identified through Yellow Page- and
Internet-based searches, as well as ground observation in tourist-heavy locations. Eligibility for
the commercial business survey was based on the establishment’s relevance to the project subject
matter; the top priorities included tourism-related businesses with likely experience providing
water-based recreational opportunities or interactions with marine mammals. The sample of
commercial businesses included wildlife viewing providers, dive shops, tours and charter
operators, equipment and supply rental shops (such as jet ski, kayak, and boat rentals), and
recreational trip and guide businesses, as well as selected retailers and restaurants.
After compiling the list of eligible water-based and tourism-related businesses, the research team
made contact through visits determined by appropriate interviewing times. Interview times for
the businesses were generally intended to be during medium-peak times (unlike the resident and
visitor surveys, which included some peak times) so as to avoid requesting interviews during
busier peak times. An additional reason for interviewing during medium peak times was that
some businesses closed during non-peak times and “off” seasons. Interviewers were instructed
to conduct surveys with business owners and managers; when these individuals were not
available, the survey administrator returned until contact with the appropriate party was made.
As with the resident and visitor surveys, commercial business operators were provided an option

Responsive Management

to complete the survey at a more convenient time by telephone. This was done to encourage the
participation of commercial business managers and owners, who were able to schedule telephone
interviews at their convenience so as to avoid interrupting customer transactions.
INTERVIEWING DATES AND TIMES
The data were primarily collected during four sessions from November 2010 to July 2011:

Season
Autumn Session

Dates
Saturday November 13, 2010
through
Friday November 19, 2010
Winter Session
Monday February 7, 2011
through
Sunday February 13, 2011
Spring Session
Monday May 9, 2011
through
Sunday May 15, 2011
Summer Session Monday July 11, 2011
through
Sunday July 17, 2011

FOLLOW-UP TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS
As previously mentioned, telephone interviews were conducted with individuals who were
selected to complete surveys but who declined or were unable to participate during the on-site
data collection, and were used to supplement the overall sample and avoid non-response bias. In
general, follow-up telephone interviews were encouraged over an alternative approach of issuing
potential respondents a hard copy survey with a prepaid envelope and instructing them to mail in
their response. By collecting contact information for a telephone interview, Responsive
Management interviewers were able to make multiple attempts to contact individuals at later
times (thereby eliminating the need to wait for surveys to arrive by mail). Additionally,
telephone surveys, relative to mail or Internet surveys, provide higher quality data, obtain higher
response rates, are more timely, and are more cost-effective. Telephone surveys also have fewer
negative effects on the environment than do mail surveys because of reduced use of paper and
reduced energy consumption for delivering and returning the questionnaires.

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Surveying times for the follow-up telephone interviews were Monday through Friday from
9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday from noon to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to
9:00 p.m., local time. A five-callback design was used to maintain the representativeness of the
sample, to avoid bias toward people easy to reach by telephone, and to provide an equal
opportunity for all individuals who supplied contact information to participate. When a
respondent could not be reached on the first call, subsequent calls were placed on different days
of the week and at different times of the day. Follow-up telephone surveys were conducted on a
rolling basis from November 2010 to July 2011, following the results of each round of on-site
data collection.
A central polling site at the Responsive Management office allowed for rigorous quality control
over the interviews and data collection. Responsive Management maintains its own in-house
telephone interviewing facilities. These facilities are staffed by interviewers with experience
conducting computer-assisted telephone interviews on the subjects of wildlife, outdoor
recreation, and natural resources. To ensure the integrity of the telephone survey data,
Responsive Management has interviewers who have been trained according to the standards
established by the Council of American Survey Research Organizations. Methods of instruction
included lecture and role-playing. The Survey Center Managers and other professional staff
conducted a project briefing with the interviewers prior to the administration of this survey.
Interviewers were instructed on type of study, study goals and objectives, handling of survey
questions, interview length, termination points and qualifiers for participation, interviewer
instructions within the survey questionnaire, reading of the survey questions, skip patterns, and
probing and clarifying techniques necessary for specific questions on the survey questionnaire.

DATA ANALYSIS
Responsive Management obtained a total of 465 completed interviews, including 205 interviews
with Panama City residents, 171 with visitors to Panama City, and 89 with commercial
businesses located in Panama City. After the surveys were obtained by the interviewers, the
Project Manager checked each completed survey to ensure clarity and completeness. The
software used for entry of the hard copy survey data and for the telephone interviews was
Questionnaire Programming Language (QPL). The survey questionnaire was programmed so

Responsive Management

that QPL branched, coded, and substituted phrases in the survey based on previous responses to
ensure the integrity and consistency of the data collection. The analysis of data was performed
using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences as well as proprietary software developed by
Responsive Management.
The total sample size on some questions is less than the total n-value for each respondent group
because the survey asked some questions only of specific respondents in the survey. In
particular, this was done when a follow-up question did not apply to some respondents. For
instance, only those who indicated that they had seen or heard information about feeding
dolphins from signs were asked follow-up questions about the types and locations of such signs.
On questions that asked respondents to provide a number (e.g., number of years lived in Panama
City), the graph shows ranges of numbers rather than the precise numbers. Nonetheless, in the
survey each respondent provided a precise number, and the dataset includes this precise number,
even if the graph only shows ranges of numbers. Note that the calculation of means and medians
used the precise numbers that the respondents provided.
Crosstabulations were run on some questions in the commercial business survey to determine
any pertinent differences in answers based on key variables among respondents. These
crosstabulations included the type or category of business, the number of years the business had
been in operation (i.e., whether the business had been in operation above or below the median
number of 13 years), and whether the business was vessel-based. Selected graphs from these
crosstabulations are included in the survey results and identified as such.

NONPARAMETRIC ANALYSIS
For this report, nonparametric analyses examined how the various responses to questions on each
survey related to participatory and demographic characteristics and opinions. Responses for
selected questions were tested by means of z-scores for relationships to various characteristics
(i.e., the characteristics as revealed by responses to other questions, including a series of
demographic questions). A positive z-score means that the response and characteristic are

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

positively related; a negative z-score means that the response and characteristic are negatively
related.
The z-score indicates the strength of the relationship between the characteristic and the response
to the question. Those z-scores that have an absolute value of 3.30 or greater indicate a
relationship that is so strong that it would happen by chance only 1 out of 1,000 times
(p < 0.001). Those z-scores that have an absolute value of 2.58 to 3.29 indicate a relationship
that is so strong that it would happen by chance only 1 out of 100 times (p < 0.01). Finally,
those z-scores that have an absolute value of 1.96 to 2.57 indicate a relationship that is so strong
that it would happen by chance only 5 out of 100 times (p < 0.05). The z-scores were calculated
as shown in the formula below.

where:

( p1 − p2 )
⎡1 1 ⎤
p(1 − p)⎢ + ⎥
⎣ n1 n2 ⎦
n1 represents the number of observations in Group 1.
n2 represents the number of observations in Group 2.
p1 = a/(a + b) = a/n1 and represents the proportion of observations in Group 1 that falls in Cell
a. It is employed to estimate the population proportion Π1 (% of Group 1 who had
specific characteristic).
p2 = c/(c + d) = c/n2 and represents the proportion of observations in Group 2 that falls in Cell
c. It is employed to estimate the population proportion Π2 (% of Group 2 who had
specific characteristic).
p = (a + c)/(n1 + n2) = (a + c)/n and is a pooled estimate of the proportion of respondents who
had specific characteristic in the underlying population.

(Equation from Handbook of Parametric and Nonparametric Statistical Procedures, 2nd Edition by David J.
Sheskin. © 2000, Chapman & Hall/CRC, Boca Raton, FL.)

The variables that were run in the nonparametric analyses are grouped into six categories, as
shown in the tabulation on the next page. Following that tabulation, a second tabulation shows
all the variables that were run in the nonparametric analysis of the survey of residents, and a third

Responsive Management

tabulation shows all the variables that were run in the nonparametric analysis of the survey of
visitors.

Z-Score Variable Categories for Both Resident and Visitor Surveys
1. PARTICIPATION: Participation in dolphin-viewing activities and water-based activities.
2. INTEREST: Interest in feeding and closely interacting with dolphins.
3. ATTITUDE: Attitudes toward factors that would affect decision-making regarding dolphin viewing.
4. KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of legality / potential harm of feeding or closely interacting with dolphins.
5. INFORMATION: Information sources about feeding or closely interacting with dolphins.
6. DEMOGRAPHIC: Demographic characteristics, such as age, education, and gender.

Variables That Were Run in the Nonparametric Analysis of the Resident Survey
Z-SCORE VARIABLES—RESIDENT SURVEY
PARTICIPATION: Has viewed dolphins as part of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour in the Panama City
area in the past 2 years.
PARTICIPATION: Has not viewed dolphins as part of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour in the Panama
City area in the past 2 years.
PARTICIPATION: Has viewed dolphins on own in the Panama City area in the past 2 years (not as
part of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour).
PARTICIPATION: Has not viewed dolphins on own in the Panama City area in the past 2 years.
PARTICIPATION: Has participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey in
the Panama City area in the past 2 years.
PARTICIPATION: Has not participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey
in the Panama City area in the past 2 years.
PARTICIPATION: Has participated in wild dolphin-related activities other than in the Panama City area
in the past 2 years.
PARTICIPATION: Has not participated in wild dolphin-related activities other than in the Panama City
area in the past 2 years.
PARTICIPATION: Owns a boat or jet ski.
PARTICIPATION: Does not own a boat or jet ski.
INTEREST: Is very interested in feeding dolphins in the wild.
INTEREST: Is not at all interested in feeding dolphins in the wild.
INTEREST: Is very interested in closely interacting with dolphins in the wild.
INTEREST: Is not at all interested in closely interacting with dolphins in the wild.
ATTITUDE: Is very concerned about protecting wild dolphins.
ATTITUDE: Is not at all concerned about protecting wild dolphins.
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says cost would be a
major factor.
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
cost would be a major factor.
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says cost would be a
major or minor factor.
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
cost would be a major or minor factor.
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major factor.
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
proximity to dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major factor.
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major or minor factor.

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Z-SCORE VARIABLES—RESIDENT SURVEY
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
proximity to dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major or minor factor.
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major factor.
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
provision of educational information about dolphins would be a major factor.
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major or minor factor.
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
provision of educational information about dolphins would be a major or minor factor.
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal and harmful.
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal and harmful.
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that feeding dolphins in the wild is harmful (but may or may not have
correctly indicated that it is also illegal).
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that feeding dolphins in the wild is harmful.
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is illegal and harmful.
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way
that disturbs them is illegal and harmful.
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is harmful (but may or may not have correctly indicated that it is also illegal).
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way
that disturbs them is harmful.
INFORMATION: Got information about feeding dolphins from a public service announcement.
INFORMATION: Did not get information about feeding dolphins from a public service announcement.
INFORMATION: Has heard or read something that makes it seem that it is all right to swim with,
touch, or pet dolphins in the wild.
INFORMATION: Has not heard or read something that makes it seem that it is all right to swim with,
touch, or pet dolphins in the wild.
INFORMATION: Got information about swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins from a public
service announcement.
INFORMATION: Did not get information about swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins from a
public service announcement.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is a member of or has donated to a boating, fishing, recreation, or conservation
organization.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is not a member of nor has donated to a boating, fishing, recreation, or conservation
organization.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Has lived in the Panama City area the median number of years (25) or less.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Has lived in the Panama City area longer than the median number of years (25).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Indicated being employed.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Did not indicate being employed.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Considers himself/herself to be white or Caucasian.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Does not consider himself/herself to be white or Caucasian.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Education level is a bachelor’s degree (with or without a higher degree).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Education level is no higher than associate’s or trade school degree.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is 55 years old or older.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 55 years old.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is 65 years old or older.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 65 years old.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is male.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is female.

Responsive Management

Variables That Were Run in the Nonparametric Analysis of the Visitor Survey
Z-SCORE VARIABLES—VISITOR SURVEY
PARTICIPATION: Visited the Panama City area for pleasure.
PARTICIPATION: Did not indicate visiting the Panama City area for pleasure.
PARTICIPATION: Viewing dolphins in the wild was one of the reasons for visiting the Panama City
area.
PARTICIPATION: Did not indicate that viewing dolphins in the wild was one of the reasons for visiting
the Panama City area.
PARTICIPATION: Has viewed dolphins as part of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour in the Panama City
area in the past 2 years.
PARTICIPATION: Has not viewed dolphins as part of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour in the Panama
City area in the past 2 years.
PARTICIPATION: Has viewed dolphins on own in the Panama City area in the past 2 years (not as
part of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour).
PARTICIPATION: Has not viewed dolphins on own in the Panama City area in the past 2 years.
PARTICIPATION: Has participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey in
the Panama City area in the past 2 years.
PARTICIPATION: Has not participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey
in the Panama City area in the past 2 years.
PARTICIPATION: Has participated in wild dolphin-related activities other than in the Panama City area
in the past 2 years.
PARTICIPATION: Has not participated in wild dolphin-related activities other than in the Panama City
area in the past 2 years.
PARTICIPATION: Owns a boat or jet ski.
PARTICIPATION: Does not own a boat or jet ski.
INTEREST: Is very interested in feeding dolphins in the wild.
INTEREST: Is not at all interested in feeding dolphins in the wild.
INTEREST: Is very interested in closely interacting with dolphins in the wild.
INTEREST: Is not at all interested in closely interacting with dolphins in the wild.
ATTITUDE: Is very concerned about protecting wild dolphins.
ATTITUDE: Is not at all concerned about protecting wild dolphins.
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says cost would be a
major factor.
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
cost would be a major factor.
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says cost would be a
major or minor factor.
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
cost would be a major or minor factor.
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major factor.
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
proximity to dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major factor.
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major or minor factor.
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
proximity to dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major or minor factor.
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major factor.
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
provision of educational information about dolphins would be a major factor.
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major or minor factor.

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Z-SCORE VARIABLES—VISITOR SURVEY
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
provision of educational information about dolphins would be a major or minor factor.
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal and harmful.
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal and harmful.
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that feeding dolphins in the wild is harmful (but may or may not have
correctly indicated that it is also illegal).
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that feeding dolphins in the wild is harmful.
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is illegal and harmful.
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way
that disturbs them is illegal and harmful.
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is harmful (but may or may not have correctly indicated that it is also illegal).
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way
that disturbs them is harmful.
INFORMATION: Has heard or read something that makes it seem that it is all right to swim with,
touch, or pet dolphins in the wild.
INFORMATION: Has not heard or read something that makes it seem that it is all right to swim with,
touch, or pet dolphins in the wild.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is a member of or has donated to a boating, fishing, recreation, or conservation
organization.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is not a member of nor has donated to a boating, fishing, recreation, or conservation
organization.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Indicated being employed.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Did not indicate being employed.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Considers himself/herself to be white or Caucasian.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Does not consider himself/herself to be white or Caucasian.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Education level is a bachelor’s degree (with or without a higher degree).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Education level is no higher than associate’s or trade school degree.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is 55 years old or older.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 55 years old.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is 65 years old or older.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 65 years old.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is male.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is female.

Each z-score calculation always looks at two groups: those with the characteristic compared to
those without the characteristic. As an example, when the analysis is run on gender, it looks at
males versus females. When the analysis is run on the variable, “Is very interested in feeding
dolphins in the wild,” it looks at those who say that they are very interested versus those who did
not say very interested, which includes “somewhat interested,” “not at all interested,” and “don’t
know.”

Responsive Management

Some of the questions that were analyzed in the nonparametric analysis were analyzed in two
ways. For instance, the nonparametric analysis of interest in feeding dolphins was run first by
those who said very interested versus those who did not say very interested, as discussed in the
preceding paragraph. It was then run on those who said not at all interested versus those who did
not say not at all interested (i.e., they said very or somewhat interested or they responded with
“don’t know”). Another example is the age variable. It was run of 55 years old and older versus
younger than 55 years, and then it was run on 65 years old and older versus younger than 65
years. This allows some nuances of the data to be examined; for instance, an examination of
younger versus older in general (using the 55 years old threshold) and then younger than the
retirement age versus the retirement age or older (using the 65 years old threshold). In some
cases, redundancies created by this analysis of some variables in two ways were removed for
readability.

Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results
When examining the correlations that are found in the z-score analysis, it is important to keep
several points in mind. Most importantly, a correlation means simply that a response to a
particular question is correlated to giving another response. For instance, in the resident survey,
being male is correlated with having an education level of a bachelor’s degree or higher
(p < 0.05). This simply means that males are more likely to have an education level of bachelor’s
degree or higher than are females (among these survey respondents). This does not mean that all
males in this survey have a bachelor’s degree, as some males obviously do not. Likewise, some
females do have an education level of a bachelor’s degree or higher. The finding simply means
that, in this survey, males are more likely to have that education level than are females.
Secondly, a finding that a characteristic is correlated to a response does not mean that a majority
of those with that characteristic give that particular response; it simply means that those with that
characteristic are more likely to give the particular response than are those without that
characteristic (even in a situation where less than a majority of both groups give the particular
response). For instance, those who own a boat or jet ski are more likely to have viewed dolphins
in the Panama City area on their own than are those who do not own a boat or jet ski. This does
not mean that a majority of those who own a boat or jet ski viewed dolphins on their own in the

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Panama City area, as less than a majority did so (as did a less than a majority of those who do not
own a boat or jet ski). It simply means that the boat/jet ski owner group is more likely to have
viewed dolphins on their own than are those without boats/jet skis.
The nonparametric analyses results are tabulated following the graph of each pertinent question.
Each tabulation has the variables grouped into the six overall categories. Within each category,
the variables are ranked according to the strength of the correlation.

NOTES ON READING THE REPORT
In examining the results, it is important to be aware that the questionnaire included several types
of questions:
•
•
•

•
•

Open-ended questions are those in which no answer set is read to the respondents; rather,
they can respond with anything that comes to mind from the question.
Closed-ended questions have an answer set from which to choose.
Some questions allow only a single response, while other questions allow respondents to
give more than one response or choose all that apply. Those that allow more than a
single response are indicated on the graphs with the label, “Multiple Responses
Allowed.”
Many closed-ended questions (but not all) are in a scale, such as excellent-good-fairpoor.
Many questions are part of a series, and the results are primarily intended to be examined
relative to the other questions in that series (although results of the questions individually
can also be valuable). Typically, results of questions in a series are shown on a single
graph.

Some graphs show an average, either the mean or median (or both). The mean is simply the sum
of all numbers divided by the number of respondents. Because outliers (extremely high or low
numbers relative to most of the other responses) may skew the mean, the median may be shown.
The median is the number at which half the sample is above and the other half is below. In other
words, a median of 150 means that half the sample gave an answer of more than 150 and the
other half gave an answer of less than 150.
Most graphs show results rounded to the nearest integer; however, all data are stored in decimal
format, and all calculations are performed on unrounded numbers. For this reason, some results
may not sum to exactly 100% because of this rounding on the graphs. Additionally, rounding
may cause apparent discrepancies of 1 percentage point between the graphs and the reported

Responsive Management

results of combined responses (e.g., when “strongly support” and “moderately support” are
summed to determine the total percentage in support).
Many of the same questions were asked in all three surveys. In some cases, the survey results
are shown on the same graph, with results from the three respondent groups tabulated separately.
In other sections, results from the same question are shown separately in order to more easily
differentiate between answers or rankings from the three groups of respondents.
The wording on some questions in the surveys conducted via follow-up telephone interviews
with residents and visitors was adjusted to account for the difference in timeframe. For example,
questions in the original visitor survey referring to “this trip to Panama City” were later changed
to “your last trip to Panama City” in interviews conducted several weeks after the initial contact
with the respondent. Finally, it should be noted that because the hard copy survey
questionnaires were later coded into QPL survey instruments, the question numbering shown on
the graphs in this report necessarily differs from the numbering in the original documents due to
the addition of skip-out branching and various error checks inserted throughout the surveys.

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

ATTITUDES TOWARD AND INTEREST IN WILD DOLPHINS
AND DOLPHIN-HUMAN INTERACTIONS
CONCERN FOR THE PROTECTION OF WILD DOLPHINS
¾ Large majorities of the three groups say they are concerned about protecting wild dolphins,
with respondents most commonly indicating that they are very concerned:
•

Among residents, 88% say they are at least a little concerned about protecting wild
dolphins (60% say they are very concerned).

•

Among visitors, 91% are at least a little concerned (47% say they are very concerned).
o

Conversely, residents who say they are not at all concerned about protecting wild
dolphins are more likely to be 65 years old or older.

•

Among business operators, 84% are at least a little concerned (55% say they are very
concerned).
o

Responsive Management
o

Operators of non-vessel-based businesses, compared to operators of vessel-based
businesses, appear slightly more likely to be very or somewhat concerned about
protecting wild dolphins.

Just over half of residents (56%) say they are not at all interested in feeding dolphins in
the wild; meanwhile, 15% are either very or somewhat interested.

•

Among visitors, a little more than a third (36%) are not at all interested in feeding
dolphins in the wild, while about a quarter are either very (24%) or somewhat (23%)
interested.

¾ Regarding closely interacting with dolphins in the wild (i.e., swimming with, touching, or
petting them), visitors again appear slightly more likely to show some interest compared to
residents (although both groups most commonly say they are not at all interested):
•

Half of residents (52%) say they are not at all interested in closely interacting with
dolphins in the wild; otherwise, 20% are very interested, 11% somewhat interested, and
14% a little interested.

•

Among visitors, 43% indicate being not at all interested in closely interacting with
dolphins in the wild, while 20% are very interested, 22% somewhat interested, and 13% a
little interested.
o

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

SOURCES OF INTEREST AND INFORMATION ABOUT WILD DOLPHINS AND
DOLPHIN-HUMAN INTERACTIONS
This section presents the results regarding information sources by respondent type. Although the
survey results from the three groups are tabulated on the same graphs in this section, the
discussions below are separated by respondent type.

Resident Results
¾ Residents who indicated being at all interested in feeding or closely interacting with
dolphins in the wild were asked a follow-up question regarding what had created their
interest or desire to do these things. Television was the most commonly named source of
interest or desire, with 35% of residents citing it. A second tier of sources cited by about a
fifth of residents includes movies (22%), aquariums (22%), and word of mouth (19%).
Notable percentages of residents also named personal experiences (15%) and zoos or wildlife
parks (14%).
¾ All residents (not just those who had indicated interest in feeding or interacting with
dolphins) were presented with a list of information sources and asked if they had heard or
read about feeding dolphins from each item. The top source from which residents had heard
or read about feeding dolphins was television news (44%), followed by newspaper articles
(32%), public service announcements (30%), and signs (28%). About a fifth of residents
heard or read about feeding dolphins in brochures (20%), on the Internet (20%), and at
zoological or nature centers (18%). Meanwhile, 22% of the residents surveyed indicated
being unsure whether they had heard or read about feeding dolphins from the sources in the
list.
o

Responsive Management

¾ Those residents who indicated having heard or read about feeding dolphins from each
primary source in the above list were asked to specify from follow-up lists where they had
seen or read the source:
•

Signs: residents who had heard or read about feeding dolphins from signs most
commonly saw the signs at docks or marinas (60%), followed by visitor centers (32%)
and fishing piers (28%).

•

Brochures: residents who had heard or read about feeding dolphins from brochures most
commonly saw or obtained the brochures from visitor centers (41%), zoos or aquariums
(37%), boat rental companies (27%), and government agencies (24%).

•

Public service announcements: residents who had heard or read about feeding dolphins
from public service announcements most commonly saw or heard the PSAs on animalrelated TV channels or during animal-related TV show (45%), and on non-wildliferelated TV channels (34%).

•

Zoological/nature centers: residents who had heard or read about feeding dolphins from
zoological/nature centers most commonly cited zoos, aquariums, or wildlife-themed
parks (73%), while about a third (32%) cited city, county, or state parks.

•

Internet: residents who had heard or read about feeding dolphins on the Internet most
commonly cited the Florida Visitor Bureau website or a similar local tourism website
(45%), followed by environmental, conservation, or other non-profit organizational
websites (23%), federal, state, or local government websites (20%), and news-related
websites (20%).

•

Television news: residents who had heard about feeding dolphins from television news
were far more likely to cite local news (80%) than national news (22%).

•

Newspapers: residents who had heard or read about feeding dolphins from newspapers
were again far likelier to point to local newspapers (91%) than national ones (12%).

•

Residents who indicated having heard or read about feeding dolphins from another source
(i.e., the “other” option in the list) most commonly mentioned general word of mouth
(58%), followed by nature or wildlife tours (23%).

¾ Just over a fifth of residents (23%) have heard or read something that makes it seem that it is
all right to swim with, touch, or pet dolphins in the wild. Among this group, television is the

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

most commonly named source for such information (cited by 36% of residents who said they
had heard or read information that made it seem that it is all right to swim with, touch, or pet
dolphins in the wild), followed fairly distantly by commercial tour operations (21%),
aquariums (17%), and general word of mouth (17%).
¾ As before, all residents were presented with a list of information sources and asked whether
they had heard or read about swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins from each item.
Note that the ranking of information sources for this topic closely mirrors residents’ ranking
of sources for feeding dolphins: the top source was again television news (41%), followed by
newspaper articles (24%), public service announcements (20%), and signs (20%). Smaller
percentages had heard or read about swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild
from zoological or nature centers (15%), brochures (13%), or the Internet (12%). Finally,
nearly a third of residents (31%) were unsure whether they had heard or read about
swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins from the sources in the list.
¾ Those residents who said they had heard or read about swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins from each primary source in the above list were asked to specify from follow-up
lists where they had seen or read the source (note that the follow-up lists consisted of the
same items asked about in the previous questions regarding information sources for feeding
dolphins):
•

Signs: residents who had heard or read about swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins in the wild from signs most commonly saw the signs at docks or marinas (60%),
visitor centers (40%) and fishing piers (30%).

•

Brochures: residents who had heard or read about swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins in the wild from brochures most commonly saw or obtained the brochures from
businesses (67%), visitor centers (50%), boat rental companies (38%), and zoos or
aquariums (38%).

•

Public service announcements: residents who had heard or read about swimming with,
touching, or petting dolphins in the wild from public service announcements most
commonly saw or heard the PSAs on animal-related TV channels or during animal-

Responsive Management
related TV show (51%), followed by the radio (29%) and on non-wildlife-related TV
channels (24%).
•

Zoological/nature centers: residents who had heard or read about swimming with,
touching, or petting dolphins in the wild from zoological/nature centers most commonly
cited zoos, aquariums, or wildlife-themed parks (77%), with about a fifth (19%) citing
city, county, or state parks.

•

Internet: residents who had heard or read about swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins in the wild on the Internet most commonly cited the Florida Visitor Bureau
website or a similar local tourism website (54%), followed by environmental,
conservation, or other non-profit organizational websites (29%), news-related websites
(17%), and federal, state, or local government websites (13%).

•

Television news: residents who had heard about swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins in the wild from television news were again more likely to cite local news
(76%) than national news (29%).

•

Newspapers: residents of those who heard or read about swimming with, touching, or
petting dolphins in the wild from newspapers cited local newspapers (94%).

•

Residents who indicated having heard or read about swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins in the wild from another source (i.e., the “other” option in the list) most
commonly mentioned general word of mouth (44%), followed by nature or wildlife tours
(19%).

Visitor Results
¾ Visitors who indicated being at all interested in feeding or closely interacting with dolphins
in the wild most commonly named television as a source of their interest, with 32% citing it.
This was followed by a second tier of sources that included aquariums (17%), word of mouth
(17%), and zoos or wildlife parks (14%).
¾ As in the resident survey, all visitors (not just those who had indicated interest in feeding or
interacting with dolphins) were presented with a list of information sources and asked if they
had heard or read about feeding dolphins from each item. The top source from which
visitors had heard or read about feeding dolphins was television news (22%), followed by the

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Internet (15%). Relatively small percentages named newspaper articles (11%), brochures
(11%), zoological or nature centers (11%), signs (10%), and PSAs (8%), while half the
sample of visitors (49%) were unsure or had not heard or read anything from the listed
sources.
¾ Visitors who indicated having heard or read about feeding dolphins from the primary
sources listed above specified from follow-up lists where they had seen or read the source:
•

Signs: visitors who had heard or read about feeding dolphins from signs most commonly
saw the signs at fishing piers (41%), visitor centers (41%) and docks/marinas (29%).

•

Brochures: visitors who had heard or read about feeding dolphins from brochures most
commonly saw or obtained the brochures from visitor centers (39%), boat rental
companies (28%), and zoos or aquariums (22%).

•

Public service announcements: visitors who had heard or read about feeding dolphins
from public service announcements most commonly saw or heard the PSAs on animalrelated TV channels or during animal-related TV show (36%), and on non-wildliferelated TV channels (36%).

•

Zoological/nature centers: visitors who had heard or read about feeding dolphins from
zoological/nature centers most commonly cited zoos, aquariums, or wildlife-themed
parks (78%).

•

Internet: visitors who had heard or read about feeding dolphins on the Internet most
commonly cited the Florida Visitor Bureau website or a similar local tourism website
(36%), and news-related websites (28%).

•

Television news: in contrast to residents, visitors who had heard about feeding dolphins
from television news were more likely to cite national news (70%) than local news
(46%).

•

Newspapers: like residents, visitors who had heard or read about feeding dolphins from
newspapers were more likely to cite local newspapers (79%) than national ones (16%).

•

Visitors who indicated having heard or read about feeding dolphins from another source
(i.e., the “other” option in the list) most commonly mentioned general word of mouth
(25%), billboards (25%), and magazines/books (17%).

Responsive Management

¾ More than a quarter of visitors (29%) have heard or read something that makes it seem that it
is all right to swim with, touch, or pet dolphins in the wild. Among this group, television is
the most commonly named source for such information (33% of visitors who had heard or
read information that made it seem that it is all right to swim with, touch, or pet dolphins in
the wild named television as a source of this information). This was followed by general
word of mouth (27%), commercial tour operations (18%), and advertisements (14%).
¾ As in the resident survey, all visitor respondents were given a list of information sources and
asked whether they had heard or read about swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins
from each item. The top source was television news (19%), followed by brochures (14%),
the Internet (12%), zoological or nature centers (11%), signs (9%), newspaper articles (6%),
and public service announcements (5%). Just under half of the sample of visitors (45%) were
unsure or had not heard or read about swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins from the
sources in the list.
¾ Those visitors who said they had heard or read about swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins from each primary source in the above list were asked to specify from follow-up
lists where they had seen or read the source:
•

Signs: visitors who had heard or read about swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins in the wild from signs most commonly saw the signs at fishing piers (47%),
visitor centers (40%), and docks or marinas (33%).

•

Brochures: visitors who had heard or read about swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins in the wild from brochures most commonly saw or obtained the brochures from
visitor centers (46%), boat rental companies (25%), businesses (25%), and zoos or
aquariums (17%).

•

Public service announcements: visitors who had heard or read about swimming with,
touching, or petting dolphins in the wild from public service announcements most
commonly saw or heard the PSAs on animal-related TV channels or during animalrelated TV show (63%), and on non-wildlife-related TV channels (38%).

•

Zoological/nature centers: visitors who had heard or read about swimming with,
touching, or petting dolphins in the wild from zoological/nature centers most often named

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

zoos, aquariums, or wildlife-themed parks (83%), with about a fifth (22%) citing city,
county, or state parks.
•

Internet: visitors who had heard or read about swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins in the wild on the Internet most commonly cited the Florida Visitor Bureau
website or a similar local tourism website (33%), news-related websites (24%), and
environmental, conservation, or other non-profit organizational websites (19%).

•

Television news: visitors who had heard about swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins in the wild from television news were again more likely to cite national news
(69%) than local news (41%).

•

Newspapers: most visitors who heard or read about swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins in the wild from newspapers cited local newspapers (73%), although a sizable
percentage said national newspapers (45%).

•

Visitors who had heard or read about swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the
wild from another source (i.e., the “other” option in the list) most commonly named
personal experience (33%), billboards (22%), and books/magazines (22%).

Commercial Business Results
¾ As in the other surveys, business operators were presented with a list of information sources
and asked if they had heard or read about feeding dolphins from each item. The top sources
from which business operators had heard or read about feeding dolphins were brochures
(54%) and signs (52%). Newspaper articles (39%), television news (38%), public service
announcements (33%), and the Internet (20%) account for the remainder of the ranking,
while more than a third of the business operators surveyed (36%) indicated having heard or
read about feeding dolphins from other sources.
¾ Business operators that indicated having heard or read about feeding dolphins from the
primary sources listed above specified from follow-up lists where they had seen or read the
source:
•

Signs: business operators who had heard or read about feeding dolphins from signs most
commonly cited signs at docks or marinas (72%), although notable percentages also
named signs at fishing piers (28%) and visitor centers (28%).

Responsive Management
•

Brochures: business operators who had heard or read about feeding dolphins from
brochures most commonly indicated that such brochures were from government agencies
(46%), with smaller percentages indicating boat rental companies (17%) and visitor
centers (13%).

•

Public service announcements: there were several ways in which business operators
heard or read about feeding dolphins from public service announcements: in newspapers
(41%), on non-wildlife-related TV channels (34%), animal-related TV channels or during
animal-related TV show (28%), in magazines (28%) and on the radio (21%).

•

Internet: business operators who had heard or read about feeding dolphins on the
Internet most commonly cited environmental, conservation, or other non-profit
organizational websites (50%), federal, state, or local government websites (50%), and
the website of the Florida Visitor Bureau or a similar local tourism website (28%).

•

Television news: business operators who had heard about feeding dolphins from
television news were far more likely to cite local news (91%) than national news (6%).

•

Newspapers: similar to the above, business operators who had heard or read about
feeding dolphins from newspapers were much likelier to name local newspapers (94%)
compared to national ones (3%).

•

Business operators who indicated having heard or read bout feeding dolphins from
another source (i.e., the “other” option in the list) most commonly mentioned general
word of mouth (47%), followed by nature or wildlife tours (25%) and billboards (22%).

¾ More than a third of business operators (38%) have heard or read something that makes it
seem that it is all right to swim with, touch, or pet dolphins in the wild. Among this group,
advertisements are by far the most commonly named source for such information (65% of
business operators who said they had heard or read information that made it seem that it is all
right to swim with, touch, or pet dolphins in the wild cited advertisements). This was
distantly followed by television (35%), commercial tour operations (35%), magazines (32%),
and general word of mouth (29%). Other common sources include newspapers (24%), zoos
or wildlife parks (24%), aquariums (21%), radio (18%), and movies (18%).

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

¾ As before, business operators were presented with a list of information sources and asked
whether they had heard or read about swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins from
each item. The top source was brochures (44%), followed by signs (36%), television news
(31%), public service announcements (30%), newspaper articles (25%), and the Internet
(20%). A quarter of business operators (25%) had heard or read about swimming with,
touching, or petting dolphins in the wild from other sources, and a third (33%) were unsure
whether they had heard or read anything on the topic from the sources in the list.
¾ Those business operators who said they had heard or read about swimming with, touching,
or petting dolphins from each primary source in the above list were asked to specify from
follow-up lists where they had seen or read the source:
•

Signs: business operators who had heard or read about swimming with, touching, or
petting dolphins in the wild from signs most commonly saw the signs at docks or marinas
(71%), followed by visitor centers (29%) and fishing piers (24%).

•

Brochures: business operators who had heard or read about swimming with, touching,
or petting dolphins in the wild from brochures most commonly saw or obtained the
brochures from boat rental companies (36%), visitor centers (33%), government agencies
(33%), and zoos or aquariums (21%).

•

Public service announcements: business operators who had heard or read about
swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild from public service
announcements most commonly saw or heard the PSAs on the radio (33%), on nonwildlife-related TV channels (26%), and in newspapers (26%). Smaller percentages saw
PSAs on animal-related TV channels or during animal-related TV shows (19%) and in
magazines (15%).

•

Internet: business operators who had heard or read about swimming with, touching, or
petting dolphins in the wild on the Internet most commonly cited environmental,
conservation, or other non-profit organizational websites (44%), federal, state, or local
government websites (33%), and the Florida Visitor Bureau website or a similar local
tourism website (28%).

Responsive Management
•

Television news: business operators who had heard about swimming with, touching, or
petting dolphins in the wild from television news were more likely to cite local news
(96%) than national news (4%).

•

Newspapers: similar to the above, business operators who heard or read about
swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild from newspapers cited local
newspapers (95%) over national ones (5%).

•

Business operators who indicated having heard or read bout swimming with, touching, or
petting dolphins in the wild from another source (i.e., the “other” option in the list) most
commonly mentioned general word of mouth (55%), followed by nature or wildlife tours
(32%), billboards (27%), and advertisements in general (23%).

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q14/Q16/Q1. How much would you say you are
concerned about protecting wild dolphins?

60
47

Very concerned

23
Somewhat
concerned

32
20

Resident survey (n=205)
Visitor survey (n=171)
Business survey (n=89)

A little concerned
9

10
Not at all
concerned

7
16

1
1

Don't know

Percent

100

Responsive Management

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—ATTITUDE: Is very concerned about protecting wild dolphins
INTEREST: Is very interested in closely interacting with dolphins in the wild (p < 0.01).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that cost
would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is illegal and harmful (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is harmful (but may or may not have correctly indicated that it is also illegal) (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is a member of or has donated to a boating, fishing, recreation, or conservation
organization (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—ATTITUDE: Is very concerned about protecting wild dolphins
INTEREST: Is very interested in feeding dolphins in the wild (p < 0.001).
INTEREST: Is very interested in closely interacting with dolphins in the wild (p < 0.01).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.01).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is a member of or has donated to a boating, fishing, recreation, or conservation
organization (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins
Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—ATTITUDE: Is not at all concerned about protecting wild dolphins
INTEREST: Is not at all interested in closely interacting with dolphins in the wild (p < 0.01).
INTEREST: Is not at all interested in feeding dolphins in the wild (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
provision of educational information about dolphins would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
provision of educational information about dolphins would be a major factor (p < 0.01).
INFORMATION: Did not get information about feeding dolphins from a public service announcement
(p < 0.01).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is 65 years old or older (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—ATTITUDE: Is not at all concerned about protecting wild dolphins
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
provision of educational information about dolphins would be a major factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
provision of educational information about dolphins would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
proximity to dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.01).
INFORMATION: Has not heard or read something that makes it seem that it is all right to swim with,
touch, or pet dolphins in the wild (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Responsive Management

Q1. How much would you say you are concerned
about protecting wild dolphins?
(Business survey)

92
35
Very concerned

81
57
40

0
18
19

Somewhat
concerned

36
60

0
18

A little
concerned

Water-related rentals (e.g., boat, jet ski,
kayak) (n=12)

0
7

Chartered fishing trips (n=40)

Other tours / guided excursions (e.g., diving,
wildlife viewing, dolphin tours) (n=16)

Hospitality / tourist services (e.g., retailers,
restaurants, vacation rentals) (n=14)

Not at all
concerned

0
0
0
0

Marine-related services (e.g., boating
lessons, license courses, marina, pier) (n=5)

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q1. How much would you say you are concerned
about protecting wild dolphins?
(Business survey)

62
Very concerned
48

Somewhat
concerned

Business has been in operation for the
median of 13 years or less (n=45)
9

A little
concerned

Business has been in operation for more
than the median of 13 years (n=42)

Not at all
concerned

Percent

100

Responsive Management

Q1. How much would you say you are concerned
about protecting wild dolphins?
(Business survey)

52
Very concerned
65

Somewhat
concerned

30
Business is vessel-based (n=69)
Business is not vessel-based (n=20)
10

A little
concerned

Not at all
concerned

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q8/Q10. How interested would you say you are in
feeding dolphins in the wild?

15
Very interested
24

Somewhat
interested

Resident survey (n=205)
12

Visitor survey (n=171)

A little interested
15

Not at all
interested

2
Don't know
2

Percent

100

Responsive Management

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—INTEREST: Is very interested in feeding dolphins in the wild
INTEREST: Is very interested in closely interacting with dolphins in the wild (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major factor (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—INTEREST: Is very interested in feeding dolphins in the wild
PARTICIPATION: Has viewed dolphins on own in the Panama City area in the past 2 years (not as part
of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour) (p < 0.05).
INTEREST: Is very interested in closely interacting with dolphins in the wild (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: Is very concerned about protecting wild dolphins (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major factor (p < 0.05).
INFORMATION: Has heard or read something that makes it seem that it is all right to swim with, touch,
or pet dolphins in the wild (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 55 years old (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q9/Q11. How interested would you say you are in
closely interacting with dolphins in the wild, such
as swimming with, touching, or petting them?

20
Very interested
20

Somewhat
interested

Resident survey (n=205)
Visitor survey (n=171)

A little interested
13

Not at all
interested

3
Don't know
2

Percent

100

Responsive Management

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—INTEREST: Is very interested in closely interacting with dolphins in the wild
PARTICIPATION: Has viewed dolphins on own in the Panama City area in the past 2 years (not as part
of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour) (p < 0.01).
PARTICIPATION: Has not participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey in
the Panama City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.01).
INTEREST: Is very interested in feeding dolphins in the wild (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: Is very concerned about protecting wild dolphins (p < 0.01).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 55 years old (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 65 years old (p < 0.01).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—INTEREST: Is very interested in closely interacting with dolphins in the wild
PARTICIPATION: Has viewed dolphins on own in the Panama City area in the past 2 years (not as part
of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour) (p < 0.001).
INTEREST: Is very interested in feeding dolphins in the wild (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: Is very concerned about protecting wild dolphins (p < 0.01).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major factor (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 55 years old (p < 0.01).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 65 years old (p < 0.01).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q12/Q14. What do you think created this interest or
desire? (Asked of those who are interested in
feeding and/or closely interacting with dolphins in
the wild.)

35
32

Television
Movies

22
17

Aquariums

19
17

Word of mouth
Multiple Responses Allowed

Personal experiences

15
14
14

Zoos or wildlife parks
8

Commercial tour operations

Nothing in particular / just
interested

6
4

Magazines

5
5

Resident survey (n=109)
Visitor survey (n=119)

3
3

Newspaper

3
5

Advertisements
Radio

0
1

Other

2
2
13
16

Don't know
0

Percent

100

Responsive Management

Q18/Q29/Q3-9. For each source, please indicate if
you heard or read about feeding dolphins from it.

44
22

Television news

38
32

Newspaper
articles

11
39
30

Multiple Responses Allowed

Public service
announcements

8
33
28
10

Signs

52
20
11

Brochures

54
20
15

The Internet

Resident survey (n=205)
Visitor survey (n=171)

20
18

Zoological or
nature centers

Business survey (n=89)

11
0
15
7

Other

36
Don't know /
have not heard
or read anything

22
49
15
0

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—INFORMATION: Got information about feeding dolphins from a public
service announcement
PARTICIPATION: Has not participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey in
the Panama City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.05).
PARTICIPATION: Has viewed dolphins on own in the Panama City area in the past 2 years (not as part
of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour) (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.01).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that feeding dolphins in the wild is harmful (but may or may not have correctly
indicated that it is also illegal) (p < 0.001).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal and harmful (p < 0.001).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is harmful (but may or may not have correctly indicated that it is also illegal) (p < 0.01).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is illegal and harmful (p < 0.01).
INFORMATION: Got information about swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins from a public
service announcement (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Indicated being employed (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 65 years old (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Responsive Management

Q21/Q23/Q3. Where did you read signs about
feeding dolphins? (Asked of those who have read
about feeding dolphins from signs.)

A dock or
marina

29
72
32
41

A visitor center

Multiple Responses Allowed

28
28
41

A fishing pier
28

Resident survey (n=57)
Visitor survey (n=17)
Business survey (n=46)

5
0

State park

11
0

A zoo or
aquarium

12
2
11

Other

18
9
5
6

Don't know

9
0

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q25/Q27/Q4. Where did the brochure you read
about feeding dolphins come from? (Asked of
those who have read about feeding dolphins in a
brochure.)

41
39

A visitor center
13

Multiple Responses Allowed

A zoo or
aquarium

22
6
27
28

A boat rental
company

17
24

A government
agency

0
46

A business (e.g.,
restaurant,
hotel, store)

Resident survey (n=41)
Visitor survey (n=18)
Business survey (n=48)

0
17
6
0
0

Other

6
15
11

Don't know

23
0

Percent

100

Responsive Management

Q29/Q31/Q5. Where did you hear or see a public
service announcement about feeding dolphins?
(Asked of those who have heard or read about
feeding dolphins from a public service
announcement.)
45

On an animal-related TV channel /
during an animal-related TV show

36
28

34
36
34

Multiple Responses Allowed

On a non-wildlife-related TV
channel

16
21
21

On the radio

Resident survey (n=62)
Visitor survey (n=14)
Business survey (n=29)

11
21

In a newspaper

11
14

In a magazine

10
7
17

Don't know

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q32/Q34. At what type of zoological or nature
center did you hear or read about feeding
dolphins? (Asked of those who have heard or read
about feeding dolphins at a zoological or nature
center.)

Multiple Responses Allowed

Zoo, aquarium,
or a wildlife
theme park

City, county, or
state park

17
Resident survey (n=37)
Visitor survey (n=18)
5

Other
6

3
Don't know
0

Percent

100

Responsive Management

Q36/Q38/Q6. Where on the Internet did you read
about feeding dolphins? (Asked of those who have
read about feeding dolphins on the Internet.)

Florida Visitor Bureau or local
tourism website

36
28

Multiple Responses Allowed

Environmental, conservation, or
other non-profit organization
website

12
50

Federal, state, or local government
website

8
50

Resident survey (n=40)
Visitor survey (n=25)

News-related website
11

Business survey (n=18)

3
4
0

Other

28
24

Don't know
11
0

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q40/Q42/Q7. From what type of television news did
you hear about feeding dolphins? (Asked of those
who have heard about feeding dolphins from
television news.)

80
46

Local

Multiple Responses Allowed

22
70

National
6

Resident survey (n=90)
Visitor survey (n=37)
Business survey (n=34)

7
0

Don't know

60
Percent

100

Responsive Management

Q43/Q45/Q8. In what type of newspaper did you
read about feeding dolphins? (Asked of those who
have read about feeding dolphins in a newspaper.)

91
79

Local

Multiple Responses Allowed

12
Resident survey (n=66)
Visitor survey (n=19)

National

Business survey (n=35)
3

2
5

Don't know

60
Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q47/Q49/Q9. Where else did you hear about feeding
dolphins? (Asked of those who have heard or read
about feeding dolphins from a source other than
the ones listed.)

58
25

Word of mouth

47
23

Nature / wildlife
tour

0
25

Multiple Responses Allowed

13
25
22

Billboard

Educational
workshop

Personal
experiences

Resident survey (n=31)
Visitor survey (n=12)
Business survey (n=32)

6
6
3
6

Magazine /
Books

17
3
0
33
28

Other

6
0

Don't know

3
0

Percent

100

Responsive Management

Q49/Q51/Q10. Have you heard or read anything that
makes it seem that it is all right to swim with,
touch, or pet dolphins in the wild?

23
Yes

29
38

66
65

No
58

Resident survey (n=205)
Visitor survey (n=171)
Business survey (n=89)

11
6

Don't know
3

60
Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—INFORMATION: Has heard or read something that makes it seem that it is
all right to swim with, touch, or pet dolphins in the wild
PARTICIPATION: Does not own a boat or jet ski (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says cost would be a
major or minor factor (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—INFORMATION: Has heard or read something that makes it seem that it is all
right to swim with, touch, or pet dolphins in the wild
PARTICIPATION: Has participated in wild dolphin-related activities other than in the Panama City area
in the past 2 years (p < 0.05).
PARTICIPATION: Has not viewed dolphins as part of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour in the Panama
City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.05).
INTEREST: Is very interested in feeding dolphins in the wild (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major factor (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way
that disturbs them is illegal and harmful (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Responsive Management

Q10. Have you heard or read anything that makes it
seem that it is all right to swim with, touch, or pet
dolphins in the wild?
(Business survey)

58
33
38

Yes

Water-related rentals (e.g.,
boat, jet ski, kayak) (n=12)

36
60

Chartered fishing trips
(n=40)
42
63

Other tours / guided
excursions (e.g., diving,
wildlife viewing, dolphin
tours) (n=16)

64
40

Hospitality / tourist services
(e.g., retailers, restaurants,
vacation rentals) (n=14)

Marine-related services
(e.g., boating lessons,
license courses, marina,
pier) (n=5)

5
Don't know / did
not respond

6
0
0

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q10. Have you heard or read anything that makes it
seem that it is all right to swim with, touch, or pet
dolphins in the wild?
(Business survey)

42
Yes
36

53
No
62
Business has been in
operation for the median of
13 years or less (n=45)

Business has been in
operation for more than the
median of 13 years (n=42)

Don't know / did
not respond
2

Percent

100

Responsive Management

Q10. Have you heard or read anything that makes it
seem that it is all right to swim with, touch, or pet
dolphins in the wild?
(Business survey)

42
Yes
25

54
No
75

Business is vessel-based (n=69)
4

Business is not vessel-based
(n=20)

Don't know / did
not respond
0

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q52/Q54/Q11. Please indicate where you heard or read the
information that made it seem that it is all right to swim
with, touch, or pet dolphins in the wild. (Asked of those
who heard or read anything that makes it seem that it is all
right to swim with, touch, or pet dolphins in the wild.)

36
33
35

Television
21
18

Commercial tour operations
Aquariums

21
17

Word of mouth

Multiple Responses Allowed

Zoos or wildlife parks

27
29

Newspaper

24
11

Movies

11
18
11
14

Advertisements
Magazines

Personal experience

Radio

Resident survey (n=47)
Visitor survey (n=49)
Business survey (n=34)

4
18

0
2

Other

0
2

Pamphlets / brochures

Don't know

Internet

6
6

6
8

Percent

100

Responsive Management

Q57/Q59/Q13-19. For each source, please indicate
if you heard or read about swimming with,
touching, or petting dolphins from it.

41
19

Television news

31
24

Newspaper
articles

6
25
20

Multiple Responses Allowed

Public service
announcements

5
30
20
9

Signs

36
Resident survey (n=205)
Visitor survey (n=171)
Business survey (n=89)

15
11

Zoological or
nature centers

0
13
14

Brochures

44
12
12

The Internet

20
16
5

Other

25
Don't know /
have not heard
or read anything

31
45
33
0

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q60/Q62/Q13. Where did you read signs about
swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins?
(Asked of those who read about swimming with,
touching, or petting dolphins from signs.)

60
A dock or
marina

33
71

40
40

Multiple Responses Allowed

A visitor center
29

Resident survey (n=40)
Visitor survey (n=15)
Business survey (n=34)

A fishing pier
24

5
13

Other

15
0

Don't know

Percent

100

Responsive Management

Q64/Q66/Q14. Where did the brochure you read
about swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins come from? (Asked of those who read
about swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins in a brochure.)

A business
(e.g., tour, hotel,
store)

67
25
8
50
46

A visitor center

Multiple Responses Allowed

33
38

A boat rental
company

25
36
Resident survey (n=26)
Visitor survey (n=24)
Business survey (n=39)

A zoo or
aquarium

17
21
12

A government
agency

4
33
0
4
3

Other

4
13
10

Don't know

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q68/Q70/Q15. Where did you hear or see a public
service announcement about swimming with,
touching, or petting dolphins? (Asked of those who
heard about swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins from a public service announcement.)

On an animal-related TV channel /
during an animal-related TV show

63
19
29
13

On the radio
Multiple Responses Allowed

33
24

On a non-wildlife-related television
channel

38
26

Resident survey (n=41)
Visitor survey (n=8)
Business survey (n=27)

12
13

In a newspaper

26
10
13
15

In a magazine

7
13
15

Don't know

Percent

100

Responsive Management

Q71/Q73. At what type of zoological or nature center did
you hear or read about swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins? (Asked of those who heard or read about
swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins at a
zoological or nature center.)

Multiple Responses Allowed

Zoo, aquarium,
or a wildlife
theme park

City, county, or
state park

22
Resident survey (n=31)
Visitor survey (n=18)
6

Other
0

13
Don't know
11

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q75/Q77/Q16. Where on the Internet did you read
about swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins? (Asked of those who read about
swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins on
the Internet.)
54

Florida Visitor Bureau or local
tourism website

33
28

Multiple Responses Allowed

Environmental, conservation, or
other non-profit organization
website

19
44

17
24

News related website
6

Resident survey (n=24)
Visitor survey (n=21)
Business survey (n=18)

Federal, state, or local
government website

5
33

0
19
11

Other

17
14
17

Don't know

Percent

100

Responsive Management

Q79/Q81/Q17. From what type of television news
did you hear about swimming with, touching, or
petting dolphins? (Asked of those who heard about
swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins from
television news.)

76
41

Local

Multiple Responses Allowed

29
69

National
4

Resident survey (n=84)
Visitor survey (n=32)
Business survey (n=28)
7

Don't know

60
Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q82/Q84/Q18. In what type of newspaper did you
read about swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins? (Asked of those who read about
swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in a
newspaper.)

94
73

Local

Multiple Responses Allowed

10
45

National

Resident survey (n=50)
Visitor survey (n=11)
Business survey (n=22)

0
0

Don't know

Percent

100

Responsive Management

Q86/Q88/Q19. Where else did you hear about
swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins?
(Asked of those who heard or read about
swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins from
a source other than the ones listed.)

44
11

Word of mouth

55
19

Multiple Responses Allowed

Nature / wildlife
tour

0
32
9
22
27

Billboard

Resident survey (n=32)
Visitor survey (n=9)

Educational
workshop

0
9

Business survey (n=22)

Book /
Magazine

22
0
9
44

Other
23
16
0
0

Don't know

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

KNOWLEDGE OF THE LEGALITY OF DOLPHIN-HUMAN
INTERACTIONS
¾ All three surveys included questions assessing respondents’ knowledge of laws regarding
feeding and interacting with dolphins; for each question, respondents were given a list of four
statements and asked to choose the one that was true in the United States. The statements
read as follows (note that “feeding dolphins in the wild” and “swimming with, touching, or
petting dolphins in the wild” were asked about in separate questions):
•

Feeding dolphins / swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild is illegal but
not harmful.

•

Feeding dolphins / swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild is not illegal
but is harmful.

•

Feeding dolphins / swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild is illegal
and harmful.

•

Feeding dolphins / swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild is not illegal
nor harmful.

Responsive Management
•

•

Among residents, 41% answer correctly, while 20% are unsure. Meanwhile, 14% think
it is not illegal but is harmful, 13% think it is illegal but not harmful, and 12% think it is
not illegal nor harmful.
o

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

gotten information about swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins from a public
service announcement.
•

•

Responsive Management

Q15/Q17/Q2. To the best of your knowledge, which
statement is true in the United States?

Feeding dolphins
in the wild is
illegal but not
harmful.

11
6
40

Feeding dolphins
in the wild is not
illegal but is
harmful.

10
18
1

Feeding dolphins
in the wild is
illegal and
harmful.

56
27
55

Feeding dolphins
in the wild is not
illegal nor
harmful.

Resident survey (n=205)
Visitor survey (n=171)

5
17

Business survey (n=89)

18
Don't know

31
3

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal and
harmful
PARTICIPATION: Has not participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey in
the Panama City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.01).
PARTICIPATION: Owns a boat or jet ski (p < 0.05).
INTEREST: Is not at all interested in feeding dolphins in the wild (p < 0.01).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major factor (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that feeding dolphins in the wild is harmful (but may or may not have correctly
indicated that it is also illegal) (p < 0.001).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is illegal and harmful (p < 0.001).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is harmful (but may or may not have correctly indicated that it is also illegal) (p < 0.001).
INFORMATION: Got information about feeding dolphins from a public service announcement
(p < 0.001).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal and
harmful
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that feeding dolphins in the wild is harmful (but may or may not have correctly
indicated that it is also illegal) (p < 0.001).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is illegal and harmful (p < 0.001).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is harmful (but may or may not have correctly indicated that it is also illegal) (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Indicated being employed (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Responsive Management

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal
and harmful
PARTICIPATION: Has participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey in the
Panama City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.01).
PARTICIPATION: Does not own a boat or jet ski (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
provision of educational information about dolphins would be a major factor (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that feeding dolphins in the wild is harmful (p < 0.001).
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way
that disturbs them is illegal and harmful (p < 0.001).
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way
that disturbs them is harmful (p < 0.001).
INFORMATION: Did not get information about feeding dolphins from a public service announcement
(p < 0.001).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal and
harmful
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that feeding dolphins in the wild is harmful (p < 0.001).
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way
that disturbs them is illegal and harmful (p < 0.001).
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way
that disturbs them is harmful (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Did not indicate being employed (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q2. To the best of your knowledge, which
statement is true in the United States?
(Business survey)

Feeding dolphins
in the wild is
illegal but not
harmful.

53
38
21
0
0

Feeding dolphins
in the wild is not
illegal but is
harmful.

3
0
0
0
58

Feeding dolphins
in the wild is
illegal and
harmful.

38
63
79
100
Water-related rentals (e.g., boat, jet ski,
kayak) (n=12)

0
0
0
0
0

Feeding dolphins
in the wild is not
illegal nor
harmful.

Chartered fishing trips (n=40)
Other tours / guided excursions (e.g., diving,
wildlife viewing, dolphin tours) (n=16)

Hospitality / tourist services (e.g., retailers,
restaurants, vacation rentals) (n=14)

Don't know / did
not respond

0
0
0
0

Marine-related services (e.g., boating
lessons, license courses, marina, pier) (n=5)
20

Percent

100

Responsive Management

Q2. To the best of your knowledge, which
statement is true in the United States?
(Business survey)

Feeding
dolphins in the
wild is illegal but
not harmful.

42
40

Feeding
dolphins in the
wild is not illegal
but is harmful.

2
0

Feeding
dolphins in the
wild is illegal and
harmful.

53
57

Feeding
dolphins in the
wild is not illegal
nor harmful.

Business has been in
operation for the median of 13
years or less (n=45)

0
0

Business has been in
operation for more than the
median of 13 years (n=42)

Don't know / did
not respond

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q2. To the best of your knowledge, which
statement is true in the United States?
(Business survey)

Feeding
dolphins in the
wild is illegal but
not harmful.

45
25

Feeding
dolphins in the
wild is not illegal
but is harmful.

1
0

Feeding
dolphins in the
wild is illegal and
harmful.

49
75

Feeding
dolphins in the
wild is not illegal
nor harmful.

Business is vessel-based
(n=69)
Business is not vesselbased (n=20)

0
0

Don't know / did
not respond

Percent

100

Responsive Management

Q54/Q56/Q12. To the best of your knowledge,
which statement is true in the United States?

Swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs the dolphins is illegal but not
harmful to the dolphins.

13
6
31

Swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs the dolphins is not illegal but is
harmful to the dolphins.

14
23
9

Swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs the dolphins is illegal and
harmful to the dolphins.

41
33
39

Swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs the dolphins is not illegal nor
harmful to the dolphins.

Resident survey (n=205)
Visitor survey (n=171)
Business survey (n=89)

12
15
11

20
23

Don't know
9

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins
in the wild in a way that disturbs them is illegal and harmful
PARTICIPATION: Has not participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey in
the Panama City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.01).
PARTICIPATION: Has participated in wild dolphin-related activities other than in the Panama City area
in the past 2 years (p < 0.05).
INTEREST: Is not at all interested in feeding dolphins in the wild (p < 0.01).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major factor (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: Is very concerned about protecting wild dolphins (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is harmful (but may or may not have correctly indicated that it is also illegal) (p < 0.001).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal and harmful (p < 0.001).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that feeding dolphins in the wild is harmful (but may or may not have correctly
indicated that it is also illegal) (p < 0.001).
INFORMATION: Got information about feeding dolphins from a public service announcement (p < 0.01).
INFORMATION: Got information about swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins from a public
service announcement (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Education level is a bachelor’s degree (with or without a higher degree) (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Indicated being employed (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in
the wild in a way that disturbs them is illegal and harmful
PARTICIPATION: Did not indicate visiting the Panama City area for pleasure (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is harmful (but may or may not have correctly indicated that it is also illegal) (p < 0.001).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal and harmful (p < 0.001).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that feeding dolphins in the wild is harmful (but may or may not have correctly
indicated that it is also illegal) (p < 0.001).
INFORMATION: Has not heard or read something that makes it seem that it is all right to swim with,
touch, or pet dolphins in the wild (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Responsive Management

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins in the wild in a way that disturbs them is illegal and harmful
PARTICIPATION: Has participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey in the
Panama City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.01).
PARTICIPATION: Has not participated in wild dolphin-related activities other than in the Panama City
area in the past 2 years (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
provision of educational information about dolphins would be a major factor (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way
that disturbs them is harmful (p < 0.001).
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal and harmful (p < 0.001).
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that feeding dolphins in the wild is harmful (p < 0.001).
INFORMATION: Did not get information about feeding dolphins from a public service announcement
(p < 0.01).
INFORMATION: Did not get information about swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins from a public
service announcement (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Education level is no higher than associate’s or trade school degree (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Did not indicate being employed (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that swimming with, touching, or petting
dolphins in the wild in a way that disturbs them is illegal and harmful
PARTICIPATION: Visited the Panama City area for pleasure (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way
that disturbs them is harmful (p < 0.001).
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal and harmful (p < 0.001).
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that feeding dolphins in the wild is harmful (p < 0.001).
INFORMATION: Has heard or read something that makes it seem that it is all right to swim with, touch,
or pet dolphins in the wild (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q12. To the best of your knowledge, which
statement is true in the United States?
(Business survey)

Swimming with, touching, or
petting dolphins in the wild in a
way that disturbs the dolphins is
illegal but not harmful to the
dolphins.

Water-related rentals (e.g., boat,
jet ski, kayak) (n=12)

25
35
38
29

Chartered fishing trips (n=40)

Swimming with, touching, or
petting dolphins in the wild in a
way that disturbs the dolphins is
not illegal but is harmful to the
dolphins.

Other tours / guided excursions
(e.g., diving, wildlife viewing,
dolphin tours) (n=16)

17
5
6

Hospitality / tourist services (e.g.,
retailers, restaurants, vacation
rentals) (n=14)

21
0

Marine-related services (e.g.,
boating lessons, license courses,
marina, pier) (n=5)

33
33

Swimming with, touching, or
petting dolphins in the wild in a
way that disturbs the dolphins is
illegal and harmful to the dolphins.

44
36
100

Swimming with, touching, or
petting dolphins in the wild in a
way that disturbs the dolphins is
not illegal nor harmful to the
dolphins.

25
13
13
0
0
0
15
0

Don't know / did not respond

14
0
0

Percent

100

Responsive Management

Q12. To the best of your knowledge, which
statement is true in the United States?
(Business survey)

Swimming with, touching, or
petting dolphins in the wild in a
way that disturbs the dolphins is
illegal but not harmful to the
dolphins.

33
31

Swimming with, touching, or
petting dolphins in the wild in a
way that disturbs the dolphins is
not illegal but is harmful to the
dolphins.

16
2

Swimming with, touching, or
petting dolphins in the wild in a
way that disturbs the dolphins is
illegal and harmful to the dolphins.

31
48

Swimming with, touching, or
petting dolphins in the wild in a
way that disturbs the dolphins is
not illegal nor harmful to the
dolphins.

Business has been in
operation for the median of
13 years or less (n=45)

13
10

Business has been in
operation for more than the
median of 13 years (n=42)

7
Don't know / did not respond
10

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q12. To the best of your knowledge, which
statement is true in the United States?
(Business survey)

Swimming with, touching, or
petting dolphins in the wild in a
way that disturbs the dolphins is
illegal but not harmful to the
dolphins.

33
25

Swimming with, touching, or
petting dolphins in the wild in a
way that disturbs the dolphins is
not illegal but is harmful to the
dolphins.

3
30

Swimming with, touching, or
petting dolphins in the wild in a
way that disturbs the dolphins is
illegal and harmful to the dolphins.

41
35

Swimming with, touching, or
petting dolphins in the wild in a
way that disturbs the dolphins is
not illegal nor harmful to the
dolphins.

Business is vessel-based
(n=69)
Business is not vesselbased (n=20)

14
0

9
Don't know / did not respond
10

Percent

100

Responsive Management

PARTICIPATION IN WATER-BASED RECREATION AND
DOLPHIN-RELATED ACTIVITIES
This section presents the results regarding residents’ and visitors’ participation in water-based
recreation and dolphin-related activities. Although the survey results from the two groups are
tabulated on the same graphs in this section, the discussions below are separated by respondent
type.
¾ The top water-based recreational activities in which residents have participated in the
Panama City area in the past two years include swimming at the beach (50%), fishing (40%),
swimming from a boat (30%), and snorkeling (21%). Notable percentages of residents have
participated in jet skiing (15%), kayaking (13%), and scuba diving (11%), while over a
quarter of the sample (29%) have not participated in any of the activities the survey asked
about within the past two years in Panama City.
¾ Only a small percentage of residents (11%) have viewed dolphins as part of a paid wild
dolphin-viewing tour in the Panama City area in the past two years (most of this group took
part in a boat-based tour of some type). In the same time period, however, a quarter of
residents (25%) have gone out specifically to view wild dolphins but not as part of a paid
dolphin-viewing tour: the most common types of these outings are on boats belonging to the
respondent or someone in the respondent’s group (11%), from a beach, pier, or shore (8%),
or from a jet ski (2%).
•

Most residents who participated in wild dolphin-related activities in the Panama City area
in the past two years did so no more than five times (57%), while almost a fifth (17%)
went just one time. The median number of times residents participated in wild dolphinrelated activities in the Panama City area in the past two years was four times.

•

Just 8% of the resident sample had participated in wild dolphin-related activities in a
location other than the Panama City area (excluding theme parks) in the two years prior
to the survey, and the most common of these activities included viewing dolphins from a
beach, pier, or shore (44% of those who engaged in dolphin-related activities somewhere
other than in Panama City) and viewing dolphins from a type of boat other than a jet ski
or kayak (38%). Residents who engaged in wild dolphin-related activities other than in

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

the Panama City area most often did so at other locations in Florida, or indicated no
specific location (i.e., they viewed dolphins while participating in some other activity).
¾ The top water-based recreational activities in which visitors participated in the Panama City
area in the past two years were swimming at the beach (56%) and fishing (21%), with
smaller percentages participating in swimming from a boat (11%), snorkeling (8%), jet skiing
(7%), kayaking (6%), and scuba diving (6%). A third of visitors (34%) had not participated
in any of the activities listed.
¾ The vast majority of the visitors surveyed (87%) indicated visiting the Panama City metro
area for pleasure (as opposed to work). Among those who visited the Panama City metro
area for pleasure, small percentages said that viewing dolphins in the wild was either their
main reason (9%) or one of their reasons (9%) for visiting. Among visitors who visited the
area for pleasure and who indicated that viewing dolphins was the main reason or one of the
main reasons for visiting, 18% viewed dolphins as part of a paid dolphin-viewing tour, and
18% viewed dolphins from another type of boat. Much smaller numbers of individuals
within this group viewed dolphins from a jet ski (4%), from a kayak (4%), swam with
dolphins in the wild (4%), snorkeled with dolphins in the wild (4%), or scuba dove with
dolphins in the wild (4%). Otherwise, 64% of visitors who visited the Panama City metro
area for pleasure and who indicated that viewing dolphins was the main reason or one of the
main reasons for visiting did not engage in any dolphin-viewing activities.
¾ Among all visitors surveyed (not just those who visited Panama City for pleasure or who
visited for dolphin-related reasons), 12% viewed dolphins as part of a paid wild dolphinviewing tour in the Panama City area in the past two years. In the same time period, 13% of
visitors have gone out specifically to view wild dolphins but not as part of a paid dolphinviewing tour: the most common types of these outings are from a beach, pier, or shore (7%),
or from a boat belonging to the respondent or someone in their group (2%).
•

Half of those visitors who participated in wild dolphin-related activities in the Panama
City area in the past two years did so just once (51%), and the median number of times

Responsive Management
visitors participated in wild dolphin-related activities in the Panama City area in the past
two years was one time.
•

Just over a tenth of visitors (12%) participated in wild dolphin-related activities in a
location other than the Panama City area (excluding theme parks) in the two years prior
to the survey, with the most common of these activities being viewing dolphins as part of
a paid dolphin-viewing tour (30% of those who engaged in dolphin-related activities
somewhere other than in Panama City), viewing dolphins from a beach, pier, or shore
(25%), and viewing dolphins from a type of boat other than a jet ski or kayak (25%).
Visitors who engaged in wild dolphin-related activities other than in the Panama City
area most often did so at other locations in Florida (35%), in the Caribbean, Gulf of
Mexico, or Central America (25%), or in no specific location (i.e., they viewed dolphins
while participating in some other activity) (20%).

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q101/Q124. Over the past 2 years, have you done
any of the following activities in the Panama City
area?

Swimming at
the beach

56
40

Fishing

21
30

Multiple Responses Allowed

Swimming from
a boat

11
21

Snorkeling

8
Resident survey (n=205)
Visitor survey (n=171)

Jet skiing

7
13

Kayaking

6
11

Scuba diving

6
29
34

None of these

2
1

Don't know

Percent

100

Responsive Management

Q90/Q113. Over the past 2 years, have you viewed
dolphins as part of a paid wild dolphin-viewing tour
in the Panama City area? If yes, which types?

88
88

No, have not
participated

Multiple Responses Allowed

Other boatbased tour

7
8

Jet ski tour

1
0

Swimming with
dolphins tour

1
1

Snorkeling with
dolphins tour

1
1

Scuba diving
with dolphins
tour

1
1

Kayak tour

0
1

Other

0
0

Resident survey (n=205)
Visitor survey (n=171)

3
2

Don't know

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—PARTICIPATION: Has viewed dolphins as part of a paid wild dolphin
viewing tour in the Panama City area in the past 2 years
PARTICIPATION: Has viewed dolphins on own in the Panama City area in the past 2 years (not as part
of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour) (p < 0.01).
PARTICIPATION: Has not participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey in
the Panama City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major factor (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Has lived in the Panama City area the median number of years (25) or less (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—PARTICIPATION: Has viewed dolphins as part of a paid wild dolphin viewing
tour in the Panama City area in the past 2 years
PARTICIPATION: Has not participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey in
the Panama City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.05).
INFORMATION: Has not heard or read something that makes it seem that it is all right to swim with,
touch, or pet dolphins in the wild (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is female (p < 0.01).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Responsive Management

Q94/Q117. Over the past 2 years, have you gone
out specifically to view wild dolphins but not part
of a paid dolphin-viewing tour in the Panama City
area? If yes, which types?

No, have not participated

From a boat belonging to you or
somebody in your group

11
2
8
7

Multiple Responses Allowed

From beach, pier, or shore

From a jet ski

2
1

From a rented boat

1
1

From a paid charter tour

1
1

From a kayak

1
1

Other

1
0

Don't know

2
1
0

Resident (n=205)
Visitor survey (n=171)

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—PARTICIPATION: Has viewed dolphins on own in the Panama City area in
the past 2 years (not as part of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour)
PARTICIPATION: Has not participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey in
the Panama City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.001).
PARTICIPATION: Owns a boat or jet ski (p < 0.01).
PARTICIPATION: Has viewed dolphins as part of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour in the Panama City
area in the past 2 years (p < 0.01).
INTEREST: Is very interested in closely interacting with dolphins in the wild (p < 0.01).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.05).
INFORMATION: Got information about swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins from a public
service announcement (p < 0.01).
INFORMATION: Got information about feeding dolphins from a public service announcement (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is a member of or has donated to a boating, fishing, recreation, or conservation
organization (p < 0.01).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—PARTICIPATION: Has viewed dolphins on own in the Panama City area in the
past 2 years (not as part of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour)
PARTICIPATION: Has participated in wild dolphin-related activities other than in the Panama City area
in the past 2 years (p < 0.01).
PARTICIPATION: Owns a boat or jet ski (p < 0.05).
INTEREST: Is very interested in closely interacting with dolphins in the wild (p < 0.001).
INTEREST: Is very interested in feeding dolphins in the wild (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is harmful (but may or may not have correctly indicated that it is also illegal) (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 65 years old (p < 0.01).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Responsive Management

Q96/Q119. How many times have you participated in wild
dolphin-related activities, including just viewing, in the
Panama City area in the past 2 years? (Asked of those
who have participated in wild dolphin-related activities in
the Panama City area in the past 2 years.)

More than 20
times

6
3
8

16-20 times

Means
Resident = 10.05 times
Visitor = 5.35 times

11-15 times

Medians
Resident = 4 times
Visitor = 1 time

6-10 times

3
8
6

5 times

4 times

Resident survey (n=52)
Visitor survey (n=35)

3 times

10
9

2 times

10
11
17

1 time

51
15
11

Don't know
0

60
Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q102/Q125. In the past 2 years, have you
participated in wild dolphin-related activities,
including viewing, anywhere other than in the
Panama City area, excluding at a theme park?

8
Yes
12

92
No
88

Resident survey (n=205)
Visitor survey (n=171)

0
Don't know
1

60
Percent

100

Responsive Management

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—PARTICIPATION: Has participated in wild dolphin-related activities other
than in the Panama City area in the past 2 years
PARTICIPATION: Has not participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey in
the Panama City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is illegal and harmful (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is a member of or has donated to a boating, fishing, recreation, or conservation
organization (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—PARTICIPATION: Has participated in wild dolphin-related activities other than
in the Panama City area in the past 2 years
PARTICIPATION: Has viewed dolphins on own in the Panama City area in the past 2 years (not as part
of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour) (p < 0.01).
PARTICIPATION: Owns a boat or jet ski (p < 0.01).
INFORMATION: Has heard or read something that makes it seem that it is all right to swim with, touch,
or pet dolphins in the wild (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 65 years old (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is a member of or has donated to a boating, fishing, recreation, or conservation
organization (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is female (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q105/Q128. What wild dolphin-related activities did
you do in these other areas? (Asked of those who
have participated in wild dolphin-related activities
anywhere other than in the Panama City area in the
past 2 years.)

Multiple Responses Allowed

Viewed dolphins
from beach, pier,
or shore

44
25

Viewed dolphins
from another
type of boat
other than jet ski
or kayak

38
25

Viewed dolphins
as part of a paid
dolphin-viewing
tour

Resident survey (n=16)
Visitor survey (n=20)

Swam with
dolphins in the
wild

0
15

19
None of these
15

Percent

100

Responsive Management

Q106/Q129. Where did you participate in dolphinrelated activities other than in the Panama City
area? (Asked of those who have participated in
wild dolphin-related activities anywhere other than
in the Panama City area in the past 2 years.)

50
Florida other than Panama City

Multiple Responses Allowed

Nowhere specific / viewed dolphins
while doing another activity (e.g.,
while fishing, on a private boat,
while driving, from their yard)

31
20

Resident survey (n=16)
Visitor survey (n=20)

Mexico
10

Caribbean / Gulf of Mexico / Central
America

0
Other
20

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q94. Which best describes why you are / were in
the Panama City area?
(Visitor survey)

Visiting / visited
the Panama City
metro area for
pleasure

Visiting / visited
the Panama City
metro area for
work

Don't know

Percent (n=171)

100

Responsive Management

Q95. Which best describes the reason you are
visiting / visited the Panama City area? (Asked of
those who visited the Panama City metro area for
pleasure.)
(Visitor survey)

Viewing dolphins
in the wild was the
main reason for
visiting the area.

Viewing dolphins
in the wild was
one of the
reasons for
visiting the area.

Viewing dolphins
in the wild had
nothing to do with
the reasons for
visiting the area.

Don't know

Percent (n=148)

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Multiple Responses Allowed

Q98. Which of the following wild dolphin viewing activities
have you done / will you do / did you do during your last trip
to Panama City? (Asked of those who visited the Panama
City metro area for pleasure, and viewing dolphins in the
wild was the main reason or one of the reasons for visiting
the area.)
(Visitor survey)
Viewing dolphins as part of a paid
dolphin-viewing tour

Viewing dolphins from another type
of boat

Viewing dolphins from a jet ski

Viewing dolphins from a kayak

Swimming with dolphins in the wild

Snorkeling with dolphins in the wild

Scuba diving with dolphins in the
wild

None of these

Percent (n=28)

100

Responsive Management

RESIDENTS’ AND VISITORS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD FACTORS
INFLUENCING THEIR USE OF BUSINESSES THAT PRACTICE
RESPONSIBLE DOLPHIN VIEWING
¾ The resident and visitor surveys asked respondents about three different factors that could
potentially influence their decision to use either a company that practiced responsible dolphin
viewing methods or a company that did not, if they were to go on a dolphin-viewing trip.
Respondents were instructed to indicate whether each factor would be a major factor, a
minor factor, or not a factor at all.
¾ Only one item was considered a major factor by a majority of both residents and visitors: if
the company provided educational information about dolphins (57% of residents and 63% of
visitors said this would be a major factor). The other factors—including the cost of the trip
and how close customers would be able to get to the dolphins—were considered to be major
factors by less than a majority of each respondent group. Thus, the availability of
educational information about dolphins appears to outweigh the importance of both trip cost
and proximity to dolphins when residents and visitors select a business for a dolphin viewing
trip.

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Percent who indicated that the following would be a major
factor in their decision to use either a company that
practices responsible viewing methods or a company that
practices irresponsible viewing methods, if they were to go
on a dolphin viewing trip.
(Resident survey)

Q110. If the
company provided
educational
information about
dolphins

Q108. The cost of
the trip

Q109. How close
you can get to the
dolphins

60
Percent

100

Responsive Management

Percent who indicated that the following would be a
major or minor factor in their decision to use either a
company that practices responsible viewing methods
or a company that practices irresponsible viewing
methods, if they were to go on a dolphin viewing trip.
(Resident survey)

Q110. If the
company provided
educational
information about
dolphins

Q108. The cost of
the trip

Q109. How close
you can get to the
dolphins

60
Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Percent who indicated that the following would not be a
factor at all in their decision to use either a company that
practices responsible viewing methods or a company that
practices irresponsible viewing methods, if they were to
go on a dolphin viewing trip.
(Resident survey)

Q109. How close
you can get to the
dolphins

Q108. The cost of
the trip

Q110. If the
company provided
educational
information about
dolphins

60
Percent

100

Responsive Management

Q133. If the
company
providing
educational
information about
dolphins

Q131. The cost of
the trip

Q132. How close
you can get to the
dolphins

60
Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

101

Percent who indicated that the following would be a major
or minor factor in their decision to use either a company
that practices responsible viewing methods or a company
that practices irresponsible viewing methods, if they were
to go on a dolphin viewing trip.
(Visitor survey)

Q133. If the
company
providing
educational
information about
dolphins

Q131. The cost of
the trip

Q132. How close
you can get to the
dolphins

60
Percent

100

102

Responsive Management

Percent who indicated that the following would not be a
factor at all in their decision to use either a company that
practices responsible viewing methods or a company
that practices irresponsible viewing methods, if they
were to go on a dolphin viewing trip.
(Visitor survey)

Q132. How close
you can get to the
dolphins

Q131. The cost of
the trip

Q133. If the
company
providing
educational
information about
dolphins

60
Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

103

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin
viewing trip, says provision of educational information about dolphins would be a major factor
INTEREST: Is very interested in feeding dolphins in the wild (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: Is very concerned about protecting wild dolphins (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says cost would be a
major or minor factor (p < 0.01).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is harmful (but may or may not have correctly indicated that it is also illegal) (p < 0.01).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that feeding dolphins in the wild is harmful (but may or may not have correctly
indicated that it is also illegal) (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is illegal and harmful (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal and harmful (p < 0.05).
INFORMATION: Got information about feeding dolphins from a public service announcement
(p < 0.001).
INFORMATION: Got information about swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins from a public
service announcement (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is female (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing
trip, says provision of educational information about dolphins would be a major factor
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: Is very concerned about protecting wild dolphins (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says cost would be a
major or minor factor (p < 0.01).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is a member of or has donated to a boating, fishing, recreation, or conservation
organization (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is 55 years old or older (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

104

Responsive Management

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin
viewing trip, says cost would be a major factor
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says cost would be a
major or minor factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.01).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Indicated being employed (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing
trip, says cost would be a major factor
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says cost would be a
major or minor factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.01).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major factor (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is not a member of nor has donated to a boating, fishing, recreation, or conservation
organization (p < 0.01).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 55 years old (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 65 years old (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

105

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin
viewing trip, says proximity to dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major factor
PARTICIPATION: Has viewed dolphins as part of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour in the Panama City
area in the past 2 years (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says cost would be a
major or minor factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says cost would be a
major factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major factor (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Indicated being employed (p < 0.01).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 55 years old (p < 0.01).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 65 years old (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Education level is no higher than associate’s or trade school degree (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing
trip, says proximity to dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major factor
INTEREST: Is very interested in feeding dolphins in the wild (p < 0.05).
INTEREST: Is very interested in closely interacting with dolphins in the wild (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says cost would be a
major or minor factor (p < 0.01).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says cost would be a
major factor (p < 0.05).
INFORMATION: Has heard or read something that makes it seem that it is all right to swim with, touch,
or pet dolphins in the wild (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 65 years old (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

106

Responsive Management

COMMERCIAL BUSINESS ATTITUDES TOWARD PUBLIC
EDUCATION AND RESPONSIBLE DOLPHIN VIEWING
CURRENT PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC EDUCATION
¾ Just over half of the commercial business operators surveyed (52%) inform guests how to
view wild dolphins without disturbing them all the time, while more than three-quarters
(78%) inform guests about this at least some of the time. Similarly, half of the business
operators surveyed (51%) inform guests why it is important to not disturb dolphins in the
wild when viewing them all the time, while 69% do so at least some of the time.
•

The most common educational methods/materials used by commercial businesses include
onboard educational commentary (28%) and educational brochures or pamphlets (19%).
About a quarter of businesses (26%) do not provide any methods or materials.
o

The crosstabulations found that operators of water-related rentals (e.g., boats, jet skis,
kayaks) and guided tours or excursions (e.g., diving, wildlife viewing, dolphin tours),
compared to the other types of businesses, appear more likely to inform guests how to
view dolphins without disturbing them all of the time, and more likely to inform
guests why it is important to not disturb dolphins in the wild when viewing them all
of the time.

Operators of businesses in operation for the median of 13 years or less, compared to
businesses in operation for more than the median of 13 years, appear more likely to
inform guests how to view dolphins without disturbing them all of the time, and more
likely to inform guests why it is important to not disturb dolphins in the wild when
viewing them all of the time.

WILLINGNESS TO PARTICIPATE IN EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS AND PUBLIC
EDUCATION
¾ Almost half of the business operators surveyed (46%) are willing to participate in a one-time
educational workshop on how to view wild dolphins without disturbing them if the workshop
was free of charge. However, just 10% would be willing to participate if the workshop were

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

107

offered at a low cost. Meanwhile, 43% of business operators are not willing to participate in
such a workshop.
•

Those willing to provide, display, or play such educational materials were asked which
types they would be willing to distribute to the public, and the top answers include
educational brochures or pamphlets (81%), signs (58%), stickers/vessel decals (56%),
and posters (46%). Smaller percentages indicated being willing to provide fact sheets
(31%), scientific articles (31%), Internet materials (27%), audio-visual public service
announcements (23%), and podcasts (15%).

ATTITUDES TOWARD AND WILLINGNESS TO PARTICIPATE IN RESPONSIBLE
VIEWING AND ADVERTISING
¾ When asked about a hypothetical incentive program for businesses that voluntarily help to
enhance dolphin conservation by promoting responsible viewing and advertising and
providing guests with educational materials, business operators most commonly say that such
a program would be extremely (38%) or moderately (25%) valuable. In total, 78% of
business operators think that such a program would be at least a little valuable.
o

108

Responsive Management
o

Operators of non-vessel-based businesses, compared to operators of vessel-based
businesses, appear more likely to view the hypothetical responsible viewing incentive
program as extremely valuable.

¾ Business operators were asked to rate as very, somewhat, a little, or not at all important three
factors potentially influencing their decision to take part in such a program: if the program
had a low cost to participate, whether or not they personally saw the value in responsible
viewing techniques, and if the program might cause them to lose business. Of these, the only
factor to be rated as very important by a majority of the business operators surveyed was if
the program might cause them to lose business (52% of business operators describe this as a
very important factor). The two other factors—whether or not the business operator saw the
value in responsible viewing techniques and if the program had a low cost to participate—
were rated as very important factors by 42% and 30% of the business operator sample,
respectively.
o

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

109

Q27. How often does your business inform guests
how to view wild dolphins without disturbing
them?
(Business survey)

All the time

Most of the time

Some of the time

None of the time

Don't know / did
not respond

Percent (n=89)

100

110

Responsive Management

Q27. How often does your business inform guests
how to view wild dolphins without disturbing
them?
(Business survey)

100
35
81

All the time
29
60
0

Water-related rentals (e.g.,
boat, jet ski, kayak) (n=12)

13
13

Most of the time
7
0

Chartered fishing trips
(n=40)

0
28

Some of the
time

0
21
20

Other tours / guided
excursions (e.g., diving,
wildlife viewing, dolphin
tours) (n=16)

Hospitality / tourist services
(e.g., retailers, restaurants,
vacation rentals) (n=14)

0
6

None of the time

43
0

Marine-related services (e.g.,
boating lessons, license
courses, marina, pier) (n=5)

0
5

Don't know / did
not respond

0
0
20
0

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

Q27. How often does your business inform guests
how to view wild dolphins without disturbing
them?
(Business survey)

60
All the time
45

7
Most of the time
10

Some of the
time

Business has been in
operation for the median of
13 years or less (n=45)

Business has been in
operation for more than the
median of 13 years (n=42)

9
None of the time
24

Don't know / did
not respond

Percent

100

111

112

Responsive Management

Q27. How often does your business inform guests
how to view wild dolphins without disturbing
them?
(Business survey)

54
All the time
45

10
Most of the time
5

17
Some of the time
15
Business is vessel-based
(n=69)
Business is not vesselbased (n=20)

13
None of the time
30

Don't know / did
not respond

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

113

Q28. How often does your business inform guests
why it is important to not disturb dolphins in the
wild when viewing them?
(Business survey)

All the time

Most of the time

Some of the time

None of the time

Don't know / did
not respond

Percent (n=89)

100

114

Responsive Management

Q28. How often does your business inform guests
why it is important to not disturb dolphins in the
wild when viewing them?
(Business survey)

75
38
94

All the time
29
40

Water-related rentals (e.g.,
boat, jet ski, kayak) (n=12)

17
3
6

Most of the time

Chartered fishing trips
(n=40)

20
8
15

Some of the
time

Other tours / guided
excursions (e.g., diving,
wildlife viewing, dolphin
tours) (n=16)

0
7
20

Hospitality / tourist services
(e.g., retailers, restaurants,
vacation rentals) (n=14)

0
35
0

None of the time

Marine-related services
(e.g., boating lessons,
license courses, marina,
pier) (n=5)

0
0
10

Don't know / did
not respond

0
7
20
0

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

115

Q28. How often does your business inform guests
why it is important to not disturb dolphins in the
wild when viewing them?
(Business survey)

60
All the time
43

7
Most of the time
10

Business has been in
operation for the median of
13 years or less (n=45)

Some of the
time

Business has been in
operation for more than the
median of 13 years (n=42)

16
None of the time
29

Don't know / did
not respond

Percent

100

116

Responsive Management

Q28. How often does your business inform guests
why it is important to not disturb dolphins in the
wild when viewing them?
(Business survey)

52
All the time
45

7
Most of the time
10

Business is vessel-based
(n=69)

12
Some of the time
5

Business is not vesselbased (n=20)

20
None of the time
30

Don't know / did
not respond

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

117

Q29. What educational methods and/or materials
do you provide to guests about dolphins?
(Business survey)

Onboard
educational
commentary

Multiple Responses Allowed

Educational
brochures or
pamphlets

Signs

Fact sheets

Classes /
seminars / word
of mouth

Internet
materials

Do not provide
any methods or
materials

Don't know / did
not respond

Percent (n=89)

100

118

Responsive Management

Q30. Would you be willing to participate in a onetime educational workshop on how to view wild
dolphins without disturbing them...?
(Business survey)

Multiple Responses Allowed

Free of charge?

At a low cost?

Not willing to
participate

Don't know / did
not respond

Percent (n=89)

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

119

Q30. Would you be willing to participate in a onetime educational workshop on how to view wild
dolphins without disturbing them...?
(Business survey)

50
30

Free of
charge?

75
50
80

Water-related rentals (e.g.,
boat, jet ski, kayak) (n=12)

Multiple Responses Allowed

17
0
31

At a low cost?
7

Chartered fishing trips (n=40)

Other tours / guided
excursions (e.g., diving,
wildlife viewing, dolphin tours)
(n=16)

Not willing to
participate

13
36

Hospitality / tourist services
(e.g., retailers, restaurants,
vacation rentals) (n=14)

8
Marine-related services (e.g.,
boating lessons, license
courses, marina, pier) (n=5)

Don't know /
did not respond

0
14
20
0

Percent

100

120

Responsive Management

Q30. Would you be willing to participate in a onetime educational workshop on how to view wild
dolphins without disturbing them...?
(Business survey)

47
Free of charge?

Multiple Responses Allowed

11
At a low cost?
10
Business has been in
operation for the median of 13
years or less (n=45)
Business has been in
operation for more than the
median of 13 years (n=42)

Not willing to
participate

Don't know / did
not respond

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

121

Q30. Would you be willing to participate in a onetime educational workshop on how to view wild
dolphins without disturbing them...?
(Business survey)

45
Free of charge?

Multiple Responses Allowed

12
At a low cost?
5
Business is vessel-based
(n=69)
Business is not vesselbased (n=20)

Not willing to
participate

Don't know / did
not respond

Percent

100

122

Responsive Management

Q31. What do you think is a reasonable cost for a
half-day workshop? (Asked of those who would be
willing to participate in a one-time educational
workshop on how to view dolphins without
disturbing them at a low cost.)
(Business survey)

$100

$50

$45

$40

$35

Mean = $46.25
Median = $45

$30

$25

$20

Don't know /
cannot recall

11
0

Percent (n=9)

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

123

Q32. Would you be willing to provide, display, or
play pre-recorded educational materials to guests if
provided to you free of charge?
(Business survey)

Yes

Don't know / did
not respond

Percent (n=89)

100

124

Responsive Management

Q33. Which educational materials would you be willing to
distribute, display, or play if provided free of charge?
(Asked of those who would be willing to provide, display,
or play pre-recorded educational materials to guests if
they were provided free of charge.)
(Business survey)

Educational brochures or
pamphlets

Signs

Multiple Responses Allowed

Stickers / vessel decals

Posters

Fact sheets

Scientific articles

Internet materials

Audio-visual Public Service
Announcements

Podcasts

Other

4
0

Percent (n=52)

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

125

Q34. How valuable would you say a program is that
provides incentives for businesses who voluntarily help to
enhance conservation of wild dolphins by promoting
responsible viewing and advertising, as well as providing
guests with educational information on dolphins? (In other
words, valuable to the Panama City area as a whole.)
(Business survey)

Extremely
valuable

Moderately
valuable

A little valuable

Not at all
valuable

Don't know / did
not respond

Percent (n=89)

100

126

Responsive Management

Q34. How valuable would you say a program is that provides
incentives for businesses who voluntarily help to enhance
conservation of wild dolphins by promoting responsible
viewing and advertising, as well as providing guests with
educational information on dolphins? (In other words,
valuable to the Panama City area as a whole.)
(Business survey)
42
23

Extremely
valuable

69
50
40

Water-related rentals (e.g.,
boat, jet ski, kayak) (n=12)

33
25

Moderately
valuable

Chartered fishing trips (n=40)

29
20
8
18

Other tours / guided
excursions (e.g., diving,
wildlife viewing, dolphin
tours) (n=16)

A little valuable

14
40

Hospitality / tourist services
(e.g., retailers, restaurants,
vacation rentals) (n=14)

8
33

Not at all
valuable

6
0
0

Marine-related services (e.g.,
boating lessons, license
courses, marina, pier) (n=5)

8
3

Don't know / did
not respond

0
7
0
0

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

127

Q34. How valuable would you say a program is that provides
incentives for businesses who voluntarily help to enhance
conservation of wild dolphins by promoting responsible
viewing and advertising, as well as providing guests with
educational information on dolphins? (In other words,
valuable to the Panama City area as a whole.)
(Business survey)

Extremely
valuable

Moderately
valuable

33
Business has been in
operation for the median of
13 years or less (n=45)

11
A little valuable
19

Business has been in
operation for more than the
median of 13 years (n=42)
16

Not at all
valuable

Don't know / did
not respond

Percent

100

128

Responsive Management

Q34. How valuable would you say a program is that provides
incentives for businesses who voluntarily help to enhance
conservation of wild dolphins by promoting responsible
viewing and advertising, as well as providing guests with
educational information on dolphins? (In other words,
valuable to the Panama City area as a whole.)
(Business survey)

Extremely
valuable

Moderately
valuable

Business is vessel-based
(n=69)

14
A little valuable
15

Business is not vesselbased (n=20)
20

Not at all
valuable

Don't know / did
not respond

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

129

Percent who indicated that the following factors would
be very important in deciding whether their business
would participate in a program that provides incentives
for businesses that voluntarily help to enhance
conservation of wild dolphins by promoting responsible
viewing and advertising, as well as providing guests
with educational information on dolphins.
(Business survey)

Q35c. If the program might cause you
to lose business (e.g., if the business
is practicing responsible viewing,
guests will not be closely interacting
with wild dolphins and may not
understand why)

Q35b. Whether or not you see the
value in responsible viewing
techniques

Q35a. If the program had a low cost
to participate

Percent

100

130

Responsive Management

Percent who indicated that the following factors would
be very or somewhat important in deciding whether their
business would participate in a program that provides
incentives for businesses that voluntarily help to
enhance conservation of wild dolphins by promoting
responsible viewing and advertising, as well as
providing guests with educational information on
dolphins.
(Business survey)

Q35c. If the program might cause you
to lose business (e.g., if the business
is practicing responsible viewing,
guests will not be closely interacting
with wild dolphins and may not
understand why)

Q35b. Whether or not you see the
value in responsible viewing
techniques

Q35a. If the program had a low cost
to participate

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

131

Percent who indicated that the following factors would be
very, somewhat, or a little important in deciding whether
their business would participate in a program that provides
incentives for businesses that voluntarily help to enhance
conservation of wild dolphins by promoting responsible
viewing and advertising, as well as providing guests with
educational information on dolphins.
(Business survey)

Q35b. Whether or not you see the
value in responsible viewing
techniques

Q35a. If the program had a low cost to
participate

Q35c. If the program might cause you
to lose business (e.g., if the business
is practicing responsible viewing,
guests will not be closely interacting
with wild dolphins and may not
understand why)

Percent

100

132

Responsive Management

Percent who indicated that the following factors would
be not at all important in deciding whether their
business would participate in a program that provides
incentives for businesses that voluntarily help to
enhance conservation of wild dolphins by promoting
responsible viewing and advertising, as well as
providing guests with educational information on
dolphins.
(Business survey)

Q35a. If the program had a low cost
to participate

Q35c. If the program might cause you
to lose business (e.g., if the business
is practicing responsible viewing,
guests will not be closely interacting
with wild dolphins and may not
understand why)

Q35b. Whether or not you see the
value in responsible viewing
techniques

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

133

Percent who indicated that the following would be
very important in deciding whether their business
would participate in a program that provides
incentives for businesses that voluntarily help to
enhance conservation of wild dolphins by promoting
responsible viewing and advertising, as well as
providing guests with educational information on
dolphins.
(Business survey)

42
Water-related rentals (e.g.,
boat, jet ski, kayak)

Q35b. Whether or not you see the
value in responsible viewing
techniques

69
43
Chartered fishing trips

Other tours / guided
excursions (e.g., diving,
wildlife viewing, dolphin
tours)
Hospitality / tourist services
(e.g., retailers, restaurants,
vacation rentals)

25
Q35a. If the program had a low
cost to participate

38
36
40

Q35c. If the program might cause
you to lose business (e.g., if the
business is practicing responsible
viewing, guests will not be closely
interacting with wild dolphins and
may not understand why)

70
56

Marine-related services
(e.g., boating lessons,
license courses, marina,
pier)

14
60
0

Percent

100

134

Responsive Management

Percent who indicated that the following would be
very or somewhat important in deciding whether
their business would participate in a program that
provides incentives for businesses that voluntarily
help to enhance conservation of wild dolphins by
promoting responsible viewing and advertising, as
well as providing guests with educational
information on dolphins.
(Business survey)

67
38
Q35a. If the program had a low
cost to participate

Water-related rentals (e.g.,
boat, jet ski, kayak)

69
57
80

Chartered fishing trips

67
Other tours / guided
excursions (e.g., diving,
wildlife viewing, dolphin
tours)
Hospitality / tourist services
(e.g., retailers, restaurants,
vacation rentals)

Q35b. Whether or not you see
the value in responsible viewing
techniques

81
57
80

Q35c. If the program might
cause you to lose business (e.g.,
if the business is practicing
responsible viewing, guests will
not be closely interacting with
wild dolphins and may not
understand why)

Marine-related services
(e.g., boating lessons,
license courses, marina,
pier)

70
75
29
80

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

135

Percent who indicated that the following would be
very, somewhat, or a little important in deciding
whether their business would participate in a
program that provides incentives for businesses
that voluntarily help to enhance conservation of wild
dolphins by promoting responsible viewing and
advertising, as well as providing guests with
educational information on dolphins.
(Business survey)

Water-related rentals
(e.g., boat, jet ski, kayak)

Q35b. Whether or not you see
the value in responsible viewing
techniques

88
79
Chartered fishing trips

67
48
Q35a. If the program had a low
cost to participate

81
86

Hospitality / tourist
services (e.g., retailers,
restaurants, vacation
rentals)

Q35c. If the program might
cause you to lose business (e.g.,
if the business is practicing
responsible viewing, guests will
not be closely interacting with
wild dolphins and may not
understand why)

Marine-related services
(e.g., boating lessons,
license courses, marina,
pier)

70
81
29
80
0

Percent

Other tours / guided
excursions (e.g., diving,
wildlife viewing, dolphin
tours)

100

136

Responsive Management

Percent who indicated that the following would be
not at all important in deciding whether their
business would participate in a program that
provides incentives for businesses that voluntarily
help to enhance conservation of wild dolphins by
promoting responsible viewing and advertising, as
well as providing guests with educational
information on dolphins.
(Business survey)

Q35c. If the program might cause
you to lose business (e.g., if the
business is practicing responsible
viewing, guests will not be closely
interacting with wild dolphins and
may not understand why)

Water-related rentals (e.g.,
boat, jet ski, kayak)

25
13
43

Chartered fishing trips

Other tours / guided
excursions (e.g., diving,
wildlife viewing, dolphin
tours)
Hospitality / tourist services
(e.g., retailers, restaurants,
vacation rentals)

53
Q35a. If the program had a low
cost to participate

13
0
0

Marine-related services
(e.g., boating lessons,
license courses, marina,
pier)

Q35b. Whether or not you see the
value in responsible viewing
techniques

6
7
0
0

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

137

Q35c. If the program might cause
you to lose business (e.g., if the
business is practicing responsible
viewing, guests will not be closely
interacting with wild dolphins and
may not understand why)

67
38

Q35b. Whether or not you see the
value in responsible viewing
techniques

Business has been in
operation for the median of
13 years or less
Business has been in
operation for more than the
median of 13 years

Q35a. If the program had a low
cost to participate

Percent

100

138

Responsive Management

Q35c. If the program might
cause you to lose business
(e.g., if the business is practicing
responsible viewing, guests will
not be closely interacting with
wild dolphins and may not
understand why)

78
48

Q35b. Whether or not you see
the value in responsible viewing
techniques

Business has been in
operation for the median of
13 years or less
Business has been in
operation for more than
the median of 13 years

Q35a. If the program had a low
cost to participate

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

139

Percent who indicated that the following would be
very, somewhat, or a little important in deciding
whether their business would participate in a
program that provides incentives for businesses that
voluntarily help to enhance conservation of wild
dolphins by promoting responsible viewing and
advertising, as well as providing guests with
educational information on dolphins.
(Business survey)

Q35c. If the program might
cause you to lose business
(e.g., if the business is
practicing responsible viewing,
guests will not be closely
interacting with wild dolphins
and may not understand why)

80
48

Q35b. Whether or not you see
the value in responsible viewing
techniques

Business has been in
operation for the median of
13 years or less

Q35a. If the program had a low
cost to participate

Business has been in
operation for more than
the median of 13 years

Percent

100

140

Responsive Management

Q35a. If the program had a low
cost to participate

26
Business has been in
operation for the median of
13 years or less
18

Q35b. Whether or not you see the
value in responsible viewing
techniques

Business has been in
operation for more than
the median of 13 years

Q35c. If the program might cause
you to lose business (e.g., if the
business is practicing responsible
viewing, guests will not be closely
interacting with wild dolphins and
may not understand why)

18
33

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

141

Q35c. If the program might cause
you to lose business (e.g., if the
business is practicing responsible
viewing, guests will not be closely
interacting with wild dolphins and
may not understand why)

57
35

Business is vesselbased

Q35b. Whether or not you see the
value in responsible viewing
techniques

Business is not vesselbased

Q35a. If the program had a low cost
to participate

Percent

100

142

Responsive Management

Q35c. If the program might cause
you to lose business (e.g., if the
business is practicing responsible
viewing, guests will not be closely
interacting with wild dolphins and
may not understand why)

65
50

Q35b. Whether or not you see the
value in responsible viewing
techniques

60
Business is vessel-based
Business is not vesselbased

Q35a. If the program had a low
cost to participate

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

143

Percent who indicated that the following would be
very, somewhat, or a little important in deciding
whether their business would participate in a
program that provides incentives for businesses that
voluntarily help to enhance conservation of wild
dolphins by promoting responsible viewing and
advertising, as well as providing guests with
educational information on dolphins.
(Business survey)

Q35c. If the program might
cause you to lose business (e.g.,
if the business is practicing
responsible viewing, guests will
not be closely interacting with
wild dolphins and may not
understand why)

67
50

Q35b. Whether or not you see
the value in responsible viewing
techniques

75
Business is vessel-based
Business is not vesselbased

Q35a. If the program had a low
cost to participate

Percent

100

144

Responsive Management

Q35a. If the program had a low
cost to participate

Business is vessel-based

Q35b. Whether or not you see the
value in responsible viewing
techniques

Business is not vesselbased

Q35c. If the program might cause
you to lose business (e.g., if the
business is practicing responsible
viewing, guests will not be closely
interacting with wild dolphins and
may not understand why)

25
30

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

145

OPINIONS ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF VARIOUS
OUTREACH METHODS
¾ All three groups were asked to rate the effectiveness of a series of delivery methods for
public outreach and education on safe dolphin viewing. The results from each group are
discussed separately below, while the graphs in this section show the combined responses
from residents, visitors, and business operators.
•

In looking at the ranking by the percentage rating each delivery method as very effective,
the top-ranked delivery methods among residents include signs at marinas and boat
ramps (rated as very effective by 60% of residents), information provided as part of
boating safety education courses (57%), and public service announcements on TV (50%).

•

Among visitors, the top-ranked delivery methods included the Internet (rated as very
effective by 59% of visitors), information provided as part of boating safety education
courses (59%), signs at marinas and boat ramps (55%), public service announcements on
TV (54%), and news reports on TV (52%).

¾ Just two delivery methods stood out as the most important delivery methods rated as very
important by business operators: signs at marinas and boat ramps (rated as very effective
by 51% of business operators) and information provided as part of boating safety education
courses (49%). Otherwise, at least a quarter of business operators rated the following
delivery methods as very important: the Internet (37%), billboards (30%), public service
announcements on radio (27%), brochures and pamphlets (26%), public service
announcements on TV (26%), social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, or podcasts (26%),
and news reports on television (26%).
•

Three graphs in this section show the business survey crosstabulations by business type,
years in operation, and vessel-based or non-vessel-based businesses. (Note that only the
rankings by the percentages rating the various outreach methods as very important are
shown.)
o

146

Responsive Management
services businesses (e.g., retailers, restaurants, vacation rentals), compared to the
other types of businesses, appear more likely to view signs at marinas and boat ramps
as a very effective delivery method. Operators of businesses that have been in
operation for the median of 13 years or less, compared to operators of older
businesses, appear more likely to consider billboards to be a very effective delivery
method. On the other hand, operators of businesses that have been in operation for
more than the median of 13 years appear more likely to public service announcements
on TV, radio, or in magazines and newspapers to be very effective delivery methods.
o

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

147

Percent who indicated the following would be very
effective methods for educating the public about
safely viewing dolphins.

Signs at marinas and boat ramps

60
55
51

Information provided as part of boating
safety education courses

57
59

Public service announcements on TV

50
54

Social media, such as Facebook,
twitter, or podcasts

47
48

News reports on television

47
52

The Internet

Public service announcements on radio

43
40

Billboards

Articles in the local newspaper

39
42

33
21
28

Public service announcements in
magazines and newspapers

Resident survey
Visitor survey
Business survey

38
38

Articles in national magazines

25
36
26

Brochures and pamphlets
Workshops or town hall meetings

20
20

Percent

100

148

Responsive Management

Percent who indicated the following would be very
or somewhat effective methods for educating the
public about safely viewing dolphins.

80
81
75

Signs at marinas and boat ramps
News reports on television

79
82

Information provided as part of boating
safety education courses

79
82

Public service announcements on TV

Articles in the local newspaper

72
71

The Internet

70
75
66

Billboards
Public service announcements on
radio

Social media, such as Facebook,
twitter, or podcasts

62
67

Public service announcements in
magazines and newspapers

55
60
58

Articles in national magazines

70
73

Resident survey
Visitor survey
Business survey

59
74
64

Brochures and pamphlets
Workshops or town hall meetings

40
43

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

149

Percent who indicated the following would be very,
somewhat, or a little effective methods for
educating the public about safely viewing dolphins.

87
88
85

Signs at marinas and boat ramps
News reports on television

86
90

85
91
83

Information provided as part of
boating safety education courses

Public service announcements on TV

Brochures and pamphlets

83
89
79

Articles in the local newspaper

82
88

81
88
79

Billboards

79
86
74

The Internet
Public service announcements on
radio

79
72
78
72

Articles in national magazines

86
93

Public service announcements in
magazines and newspapers

77
88
71

Social media, such as Facebook,
twitter, or podcasts

72
74

64
58
64
53

Workshops or town hall meetings
0

Percent

Resident survey
Visitor survey
Business survey

100

150

Responsive Management

Percent who indicated the following would be not
at all effective methods for educating the public
about safely viewing dolphins.

33
30
37

Workshops or town hall meetings
Public service announcements in
magazines and newspapers

16
20

16
11
19

Public service announcements on radio
Articles in national magazines

14
19

Billboards

14
15

Brochures and pamphlets

13
13

The Internet

12
16

Articles in the local newspaper

Resident survey
Visitor survey
Business survey

12
22
12
15
16

Social media, such as Facebook, twitter,
or podcasts
Public service announcements on TV

News reports on television

8
6

Information provided as part of boating
safety education courses

7
6
8

Signs at marinas and boat ramps

7
8
7

18
17

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

151

Percent who indicated that the following would be
very effective methods for educating the public
about safely viewing dolphins.
(Business survey)
Q36m. Information provided as part of
boating safety education courses

Q36c. Signs at marinas and boat
ramps

48
50
60

Q36a. Brochures and pamphlets

25
28
25
29
20

Q36k. News reports on television

25
28
25
29
20

Q36b. The Internet

17
18

Q36e. Public service announcements
on TV

Q36h. Public service announcements
on radio

Q36i. Social media, such as
Facebook, twitter, or podcasts

17
15

8
7
8

31
29

31
36
40
38
40

Marine-related services
(e.g., boating lessons,
license courses, marina,
pier)

20
19
14
20

Q36j. Billboards

Other tours / guided
excursions (e.g., diving,
wildlife viewing, dolphin
tours)
Hospitality / tourist services
(e.g., retailers, restaurants,
vacation rentals)

44
36
40

17
20

Q36g. Articles in national magazines

Q36l. Public service announcements
in magazines and newspapers

17
15
25
21

Chartered fishing trips

Q36d. Articles in the local newspaper

Water-related rentals (e.g.,
boat, jet ski, kayak)

Q36f. Workshops or town hall
meetings

44
40

Percent

100

152

Responsive Management

Percent who indicated that the following would be
very effective methods for educating the public
about safely viewing dolphins.
(Business survey)
Q36c. Signs at marinas and boat
ramps

53
48

Q36m. Information provided as part of
boating safety education courses

47
52
36
38

Q36b. The Internet
Q36j. Billboards

Q36i. Social media, such as
Facebook, twitter, or podcasts

29
21

Q36a. Brochures and pamphlets

24
26

Q36k. News reports on television

24
29

Q36e. Public service announcements
on TV

Q36h. Public service announcements
on radio

Q36g. Articles in national magazines

18
24

Q36d. Articles in the local newspaper

13
19

Q36l. Public service announcements
in magazines and newspapers

Q36f. Workshops or town hall
meetings

9
0

Business has been in
operation for the median of 13
years or less
Business has been in
operation for more than the
median of 13 years

31
33

14
20

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

153

Q36c. Signs at marinas and boat
ramps

60
70

36
40

Q36b. The Internet
Q36j. Billboards

30
30

Q36h. Public service announcements
on radio

26
30

Q36a. Brochures and pamphlets

25
30

Q36e. Public service announcements
on TV

Q36k. News reports on television

Q36g. Articles in national magazines

20
25

Q36i. Social media, such as
Facebook, twitter, or podcasts

Q36l. Public service announcements
in magazines and newspapers

17
15

Q36d. Articles in the local newspaper

16
20

Q36f. Workshops or town hall
meetings

5
0

Business is vessel-based

Business is not vesselbased

13
20

Percent

100

154

Responsive Management

DEMOGRAPHIC AND RESPONDENT DATA
This section presents the results regarding demographic and trip-related data by respondent type.
Although many of the survey results from resident and visitor groups are tabulated on the same
graphs in this section, the discussions below are separated by respondent type. (Note that the
graphs showing commercial business characteristics are separately entirely.)
RESIDENT DEMOGRAPHICS
¾ The survey of residents found that 15% were members of or had donated to a boating,
fishing, recreation, or conservation organization.
•

A graph shows the results of the follow-up question regarding the names of the
organizations to which respondents belonged or donated. Miscellaneous national, state,
and local organizations predominated (because many of these organizations were named
by no more than one or a few respondents, they are shown as combined categories on the
graph). Otherwise, the most commonly named organizations were the Audubon Society
and the Sierra Club.

¾ Slightly more than a quarter of the resident sample (29%) owned a boat other than a jet ski at
the time of the survey, with 5% owning a jet ski.
¾ The vast majority of residents surveyed (97%) live in the Panama City metro area yearround.
•

The median number of years lived in the Panama City metro area among residents who
live there year-round was 25 years.

¾ Most respondents in the resident sample were either employed full-time (40%) or retired
(36%) at the time of the survey.
•

A graph shows the distribution of resident income levels.

¾ A small portion of the resident sample (5%) indicated being Hispanic or Latino, with
white/Caucasian being the most commonly indicated race/ethnicity category among residents
(82% of the sample).

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins
•

155

The vast majority of resident respondents speak English in their household.

¾ Educational levels of residents are shown; two-thirds of the sample (67%) had completed at
least some college.
¾ The median age among resident respondents was 56 years old. The sample was split fairly
evenly by gender.

VISITOR DEMOGRAPHICS AND PANAMA CITY TRIP CHARACTERISTICS
¾ Nearly a fifth of visitors (18%) were members of or had donated to a boating, fishing,
recreation, or conservation organization.
•

A graph shows the results of the follow-up question regarding the names of the
organizations to which respondents belonged or donated. The most common responses
included miscellaneous conservation organizations (e.g., the Nature Conservancy, Ducks
Unlimited) and various government entities (e.g., departments of natural resources or
parks departments). Again, because many organizations were named by no more than
one or a few respondents, they are shown on the graph as combined categories.
Otherwise, the Sierra Club and the National Rifle Association were the most commonly
named organizations.

¾ The most common states of residence among the visitors surveyed were Alabama, Florida,
Georgia, Indiana, and Kentucky.
¾ Similar to the resident sample, most respondents in the visitor sample were either employed
full-time (36%) or retired (29%) at the time of the survey.
•

A graph shows the distribution of resident income levels.

¾ As with the resident sample, a very small percentage of visitors (2%) indicated being
Hispanic or Latino, with white/Caucasian being the most commonly indicated race/ethnicity
category among visitors (75%).
•

The vast majority of visitors surveyed speak English in their household.

156

Responsive Management

¾ Educational levels of visitors are shown; most of the sample (71%) had completed at least
some college.
¾ The median age among visitor respondents was 55 years old, with females making up 64% of
the sample.
Note: graphs for visitors’ Panama City trip characteristics (discussed in the three main bullet
points that follow) are shown on pages 182-191.
¾ About one in ten visitors surveyed (11%) indicated that the trip to Panama City during which
they were surveyed was their first trip to the area.
•

The median number of days visitors spent in Panama City during the trip for which they
completed a survey was 4 days.

•

Most visitors traveled to the Panama City area by car, truck, or motorcycle (89%), with a
smaller percentage visiting by airline (9%).

•

Visitors most commonly stayed in hotels/motels (29%), time-shares or condos (20%),
with family or friends (14%), or at resorts (11%). Meanwhile, 17% of the visitor sample
did not stay overnight in the Panama City area.

•

The median number of people in visitors’ traveling parties was 3 people, with parties
most commonly have no children in them age 17 years or younger (62%). Otherwise,
about a quarter of the sample (26%) traveled with children age 17 or younger.

¾ Nearly a fifth of the visitors surveyed (18%) owned a boat other than a jet ski at the time of
the survey, with 6% owning a jet ski.
•

A quarter of those who owned a boat and/or a jet ski (24%) said that they generally
trailered or brought their boat/jet ski to Panama City when they visited.

¾ When asked whether the recent Gulf of Mexico oil spill had changed their travel plans,
visitors most commonly responded that it did not (59%).
•

Among those who indicated that the oil spill did change their travel plans, about half
(48%) said that they rescheduled their most recent trip to the Panama City area because
of the spill.

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

157

CHARACTERISTICS OF COMMERCIAL BUSINESSES SURVEYED
¾ Chartered fishing trip businesses were the most common type of commercial business to
respond to the survey, accounting for 45% of the sample. However, it is important to
consider that for this question, business operators chose a category from a “check only one”
list of business types, despite the fact that in many cases, their businesses offered more than
one type of service. For example, although many chartered fishing trip business operators
represented establishments that also offered tours, equipment rentals, or diving/snorkeling
excursions, the survey necessitated that they check only one category to best describe their
business. Therefore, it should be noted that some overlap exists among the different business
types shown on the graph.
¾ The median number of years businesses had been in operation at the time of the survey was
13 years.
¾ More than three-quarters of the businesses surveyed (78%) were vessel-based.
•

Among vessel-based businesses, the median number of vessels owned was two vessels.
(More than a third of the sample was made up of businesses that owned just one vessel).

•

A series of graphs in this section shows the vessel guest capacity range among businesses
that owned one or several vessels.

¾ Slightly more than half of the commercial businesses surveyed (55%) operate year-round.
•

The vast majority of business operators (73%) said that the recent Gulf of Mexico oil
spill hurt their business a whole lot, rather than hurt their business a little (4%), had no
effect (11%), or helped a whole lot (3%).

¾ A third of the businesses surveyed (34%) were members of or had donated to a boating,
fishing, recreation, or conservation organization. Of these, the most common types of
organizations included boating associations (e.g., American Sailing Association, Boat U.S.)
and various conservation organizations (e.g., the Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited).

158

Responsive Management

Q125/Q154. Are you a member of or have you
donated to any boating, fishing, recreation, or
conservation organizations?

15
Yes
18

83
No
78

Resident survey (n=205)
Visitor survey (n=171)
2
Don't know
4

60
Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

159

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Is a member of or has donated to a boating, fishing,
recreation, or conservation organization
PARTICIPATION: Owns a boat or jet ski (p < 0.01).
PARTICIPATION: Has viewed dolphins on own in the Panama City area in the past 2 years (not as part
of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour) (p < 0.01).
PARTICIPATION: Has participated in wild dolphin-related activities other than in the Panama City area
in the past 2 years (p < 0.05).
INTEREST: Is not at all interested in feeding dolphins in the wild (p < 0.01).
ATTITUDE: Is very concerned about protecting wild dolphins (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Considers himself/herself to be white or Caucasian (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Is a member of or has donated to a boating, fishing,
recreation, or conservation organization
PARTICIPATION: Has participated in wild dolphin-related activities other than in the Panama City area
in the past 2 years (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that cost
would be a major factor (p < 0.01).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major factor (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: Is very concerned about protecting wild dolphins (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Considers himself/herself to be white or Caucasian (p < 0.01).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Education level is a bachelor’s degree (with or without a higher degree) (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

160

Responsive Management

Q126/Q155. Which boating, fishing, recreation, or
conservation organizations are you a member of or
have donated to? (Asked of those who are a
member of or have donated to a boating, fishing,
recreation, and/or conservation organization.)

Miscellaneous local and state
organizations

21
7

Miscellaneous national wildlife
organizations

21
11

Multiple Responses Allowed

Governmental organizations (e.g.,
state DNR, parks)

10
29
10

National Audubon Society

Sierra Club

7
7

NRA

3
7

Boat U.S.

3
0

Greenpeace

3
0

Conservation organizations (e.g.,
Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited)

Animal protection organizations (e.g.,
SPCA, Humane Society)

Resident survey (n=29)
Visitor survey (n=28)

36
14
24

Don't know

11
0

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

161

Q129/Q150. Do you own a boat or a jet ski?

69
No, do not own
a boat or jet ski

Multiple Responses Allowed

29
Resident survey (n=205)
Visitor survey (n=171)

Yes, own a boat
18

5
Yes, own a jet
ski
6

Percent

100

162

Responsive Management

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—PARTICIPATION: Owns a boat or jet ski
PARTICIPATION: Has not participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey in
the Panama City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.01).
PARTICIPATION: Has viewed dolphins on own in the Panama City area in the past 2 years (not as part
of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour) (p < 0.01).
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that cost
would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal and harmful (p < 0.05).
INFORMATION: Has not heard or read something that makes it seem that it is all right to swim with,
touch, or pet dolphins in the wild (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is a member of or has donated to a boating, fishing, recreation, or conservation
organization (p < 0.01).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Considers himself/herself to be white or Caucasian (p < 0.01).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Education level is a bachelor’s degree (with or without a higher degree) (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—PARTICIPATION: Owns a boat or jet ski
PARTICIPATION: Has participated in wild dolphin-related activities other than in the Panama City area
in the past 2 years (p < 0.01).
PARTICIPATION: Has viewed dolphins on own in the Panama City area in the past 2 years (not as part
of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour) (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is harmful (but may or may not have correctly indicated that it is also illegal) (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

163

Q130. Which best describes your living situation?
(Resident survey)

Live in the
Panama City
metro area yearround

Live in the
Panama City
metro area part of
the year

Don't know

Percent (n=205)

100

164

Responsive Management

Q133. How long have you lived in the Panama City
area? (Asked of those who live in the Panama City
metro area year round.)
(Resident survey)

More than 60
years

51-60 years

41-50 years

31-40 years

Mean = 28.32 years
Median = 25 years
17

12-30 years

11-20 years

10 years or less

Don't know

Percent (n=199)

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

165

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Has lived in the Panama City area the median number of
years (25) or less
PARTICIPATION: Has not participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey in
the Panama City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.001).
PARTICIPATION: Has viewed dolphins as part of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour in the Panama City
area in the past 2 years (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 55 years old (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 65 years old (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Indicated being employed (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Considers himself/herself to be white or Caucasian (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Has lived in the Panama City area longer than the median
number of years (25)
PARTICIPATION: Has participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey in the
Panama City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.001).
PARTICIPATION: Has not viewed dolphins as part of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour in the Panama
City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is 55 years old or older (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is 65 years old or older (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Did not indicate being employed (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Does not consider himself/herself to be white or Caucasian (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

166

Responsive Management

Q157. In what state or province do you live?
(Visitor survey)

Alabama

40
23

Florida
Georgia

Indiana

Kentucky

Illinois

Ohio

Tennessee

Texas

Arkansas

Iowa

Kansas

Louisiana

Massachusetts

Michigan

Missouri

Nevada

New York

North Carolina

Oklahoma

Pennsylvania

Wisconsin

Don't know

Refused

1
0

Percent (n=171)

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

167

Q136/Q158. Which of the following best describes
your employment status?

40
36

Employed fulltime

Retired

Homemaker

Self-employed

13
Resident survey (n=205)
Visitor survey (n=171)

Employed parttime

3
2

Student

None of these

Don't know

4
0

60
Percent

100

168

Responsive Management

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Indicated being employed
PARTICIPATION: Has not participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey in
the Panama City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.01).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major factor (p < 0.01).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says cost would be a
major or minor factor (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says cost would be a
major factor (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is harmful (but may or may not have correctly indicated that it is also illegal) (p < 0.01).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that feeding dolphins in the wild is harmful (but may or may not have correctly
indicated that it is also illegal) (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is illegal and harmful (p < 0.05).
INFORMATION: Got information about feeding dolphins from a public service announcement
(p < 0.001).
INFORMATION: Got information about swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins from a public
service announcement (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 55 years old (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 65 years old (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Has lived in the Panama City area the median number of years (25) or less
(p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Education level is a bachelor’s degree (with or without a higher degree) (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Indicated being employed
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is harmful (but may or may not have correctly indicated that it is also illegal) (p < 0.01).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal and harmful (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that feeding dolphins in the wild is harmful (but may or may not have correctly
indicated that it is also illegal) (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 65 years old (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 55 years old (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is male (p < 0.01).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

169

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Did not indicate being employed
PARTICIPATION: Has participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey in the
Panama City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.001).
INTEREST: Is not at all interested in closely interacting with dolphins in the wild (p < 0.01).
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
proximity to dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.01).
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
proximity to dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major factor (p < 0.01).
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that cost
would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that cost
would be a major factor (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way
that disturbs them is harmful (p < 0.01).
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that feeding dolphins in the wild is harmful (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way
that disturbs them is illegal and harmful (p < 0.05).
INFORMATION: Did not get information about feeding dolphins from a public service announcement
(p < 0.001).
INFORMATION: Did not get information about swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins from a public
service announcement (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is 55 years old or older (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is 65 years old or older (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Has lived in the Panama City area longer than the median number of years (25)
(p < 0.001).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Did not indicate being employed
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way
that disturbs them is harmful (p < 0.01).
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that feeding dolphins in the wild is illegal and harmful (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that feeding dolphins in the wild is harmful (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is 65 years old or older (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is 55 years old or older (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is female (p < 0.01).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

170

Responsive Management

Q137/Q159. Which of these categories best
describes your total household income before
taxes last year?

Under $25,000

6
19
15

$25,000-$49,999

$50,000-$74,999

22
6

$75,000-$99,999

$100,000$124,999

Resident survey (n=205)

Visitor survey (n=171)
$125,000$149,999

3
6
1
1

$150,000-199,999

$200,000 or more

4
8

Don't know

4
17

Refused

25
0

60
Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

171

Q138/Q160. Are you Hispanic or Latino?

5
Yes
2

92
No
94

1
Don't know

Resident survey (n=205)
2

Visitor survey (n=171)

1
Refused
2

60
Percent

100

172

Responsive Management

Q141/Q163. What races or ethnic backgrounds do
you consider yourself? Please mention all that
apply.

White or
Caucasian

Multiple Responses Allowed

Black or AfricanAmerican

Native American
or Alaskan native
or Aleutian

2
3

Resident survey (n=205)
Visitor survey (n=171)

Asian

Other

Don't know

Refused

5
0

Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

173

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Considers himself/herself to be white or Caucasian
PARTICIPATION: Has not participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey in
the Panama City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.001).
PARTICIPATION: Owns a boat or jet ski (p < 0.01).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Has lived in the Panama City area the median number of years (25) or less (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is a member of or has donated to a boating, fishing, recreation, or conservation
organization (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Considers himself/herself to be white or Caucasian
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that feeding dolphins in the wild is harmful (but may or may not have correctly
indicated that it is also illegal) (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Education level is a bachelor’s degree (with or without a higher degree) (p < 0.01).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is a member of or has donated to a boating, fishing, recreation, or conservation
organization (p < 0.01).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Does not consider himself/herself to be white or
Caucasian
PARTICIPATION: Has participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey in the
Panama City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.001).
PARTICIPATION: Does not own a boat or jet ski (p < 0.01).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Has lived in the Panama City area longer than the median number of years (25)
(p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is not a member of nor has donated to a boating, fishing, recreation, or conservation
organization (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Does not consider himself/herself to be white or Caucasian
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that feeding dolphins in the wild is harmful (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is not a member of nor has donated to a boating, fishing, recreation, or conservation
organization (p < 0.01).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

174

Responsive Management

Q143/Q165. What language does your household
primarily speak?

97
English
95

1
Spanish
1
Resident survey (n=205)
Visitor survey (n=171)

Other
1

2
Don't know
4

60
Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

175

Q145/Q167. What is the highest level of education
you have attained?

0
1

Less than 9th grade

5
4

Some high school, but no diploma

21
18

High school graduate or equivalent
Some college or trade school, but no
degree

28
16

Associate's degree or trade school
degree

11
11

Resident survey (n=205)
Visitor survey (n=171)

Bachelor's degree

26
2
3

Graduate work but no degree

Graduate degree

Don't know

3
2

Refused

1
4
0

Percent

100

176

Responsive Management

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Education level is a bachelor’s degree (with or without a
higher degree)
PARTICIPATION: Owns a boat or jet ski (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is illegal and harmful (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that feeding dolphins in the wild is harmful (but may or may not have correctly
indicated that it is also illegal) (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way that
disturbs them is harmful (but may or may not have correctly indicated that it is also illegal) (p < 0.05).
INFORMATION: Did not get information about swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins from a public
service announcement (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Indicated being employed (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is male (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Education level is a bachelor’s degree (with or without a
higher degree)
PARTICIPATION: Visited the Panama City area for pleasure (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Considers himself/herself to be white or Caucasian (p < 0.01).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is a member of or has donated to a boating, fishing, recreation, or conservation
organization (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Education level is no higher than associate’s or trade
school degree
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major factor (p < 0.05).
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins in the wild in a way
that disturbs them is illegal and harmful (p < 0.05).
INFORMATION: Got information about swimming with, touching, or petting dolphins from a public
service announcement (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Education level is no higher than associate’s or trade
school degree
PARTICIPATION: Did not indicate visiting the Panama City area for pleasure (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

177

Q146/Q168. Respondent's age.

65 years old or
older

55-64 years old

19
18

Means
Resident = 54.57 years
Visitor = 54.23

Medians
Resident = 56 years
Visitor = 55 years

45-54 years old

35-44 years old

25-34 years old

4
Resident survey (n=205)
6

18-24 years old

Visitor survey (n=171)

1
2

Don't know

Refused

5
0

60
Percent

100

178

Responsive Management

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Is 55 years old or older
PARTICIPATION: Has participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey in the
Panama City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.001).
INTEREST: Is not at all interested in closely interacting with dolphins in the wild (p < 0.001).
INTEREST: Is not at all interested in feeding dolphins in the wild (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that cost
would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
proximity to dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.01).
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
proximity to dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major factor (p < 0.01).
KNOWLEDGE: Did not indicate that feeding dolphins in the wild is harmful (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is 65 years old or older (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Did not indicate being employed (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Has lived in the Panama City area longer than the median number of years (25)
(p < 0.001).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Is 55 years old or older
PARTICIPATION: Has participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey in the
Panama City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.05).
INTEREST: Is not at all interested in feeding dolphins in the wild (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that cost
would be a major factor (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major factor (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that cost
would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is 65 years old or older (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Did not indicate being employed (p < 0.001).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

179

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 55 years old
PARTICIPATION: Has not participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey in
the Panama City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.001).
INTEREST: Is very interested in closely interacting with dolphins in the wild (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says cost would be a
major or minor factor (p < 0.001).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major or minor factor (p < 0.01).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says proximity to
dolphins (how close he/she can get) would be a major factor (p < 0.01).
KNOWLEDGE: Indicated that feeding dolphins in the wild is harmful (but may or may not have correctly
indicated that it is also illegal) (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 65 years old (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Indicated being employed (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Has lived in the Panama City area the median number of years (25) or less
(p < 0.001).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 55 years old
PARTICIPATION: Has not participated in at least one of the water-based activities listed in the survey in
the Panama City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.05).
INTEREST: Is very interested in closely interacting with dolphins in the wild (p < 0.01).
INTEREST: Is very interested in feeding dolphins in the wild (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says cost would be a
major factor (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
provision of educational information about dolphins would be a major factor (p < 0.05).
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says cost would be a
major or minor factor (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Is younger than 65 years old (p < 0.001).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Indicated being employed (p < 0.001).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

180

Responsive Management

Q153/Q174. Respondent's gender (observed by
interviewer; not asked).

43
Male
36

Resident survey (n=205)
Visitor survey (n=171)

57
Female
64

60
Percent

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

181

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Is male
ATTITUDE: Does not say, in decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, that
provision of educational information about dolphins would be a major factor (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Education level is a bachelor’s degree (with or without a higher degree) (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Is male
PARTICIPATION: Has not viewed dolphins as part of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour in the Panama
City area in the past 2 years (p < 0.01).
PARTICIPATION: Has not participated in wild dolphin-related activities other than in the Panama City
area in the past 2 years (p < 0.05).
INTEREST: Is not at all interested in feeding dolphins in the wild (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Indicated being employed (p < 0.01).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
RESIDENT SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Is female
ATTITUDE: In decision regarding which company to use for dolphin viewing trip, says provision of
educational information about dolphins would be a major factor (p < 0.05).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

Correlations to the Characteristic or Opinion Shown in the Top Row
VISITOR SURVEY—DEMOGRAPHIC: Is female
PARTICIPATION: Has viewed dolphins as part of a paid wild dolphin viewing tour in the Panama City
area in the past 2 years (p < 0.01).
PARTICIPATION: Has participated in wild dolphin-related activities other than in the Panama City area
in the past 2 years (p < 0.05).
DEMOGRAPHIC: Did not indicate being employed (p < 0.01).
See page 14, “Interpreting the Nonparametric Analysis Results,” for an explanation of how to read the
nonparametric analysis tabulations.

182

Responsive Management

Q90. Is this trip / Was your last trip to the Panama
City area your first visit to the area?
(Visitor survey)

Yes

Don't know

Percent (n=171)

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

183

Q91. How many days total will you be in Panama
City on this trip / were you in Panama City during
your last trip?
(Visitor survey)

More than 20 days

16-20 days

11-15 days

10 days

9 days

8 days

7 days

Mean = 5.61 days
Median = 4 days

6 days

5 days

4 days

3 days

2 days

6
25

1 day
2

Don't know
0

Percent (n=171)

100

184

Responsive Management

Q101. By what means did you travel to the Panama
City area?
(Visitor survey)

Car, truck, or
motorcycle

Multiple Responses Allowed

Airline

Bus

Walked /
jogged

Percent (n=171)

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

185

Q103. Where are you staying / Where did you stay
while in the Panama City area?
(Visitor survey)

Did not stay
overnight

Hotel / motel
Time-share /
condo

With family or
friends

Resort
Rented house /
cottage

Motorhome or RV

Military base

Private home

Campground at a
state park

Don't know

1
0

Percent (n=171)

100

186

Responsive Management

Q105. How many people, including yourself, are /
were in your traveling party?
(Visitor survey)

More than 20 people

16-20 people

11-15 people

10 people

9 people

8 people

7 people

Mean = 4 people
Median = 3 people

6 people

5 people

4 people

3 people

15
39

2 people
8

1 person
1

Don't know
0

Percent (n=171)

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

187

Q108. How many of those people in your traveling
party are / were children 17 years or younger?
(Asked of those who did not travel alone.)
(Visitor survey)

More than 10
children

6-10 children

5 children

4 children

1
Mean = 1 child
Median = 0 children

3 children

2 children

1 child

There were no
children

Don't know

Percent (n=157)

100

188

Responsive Management

Q150. Do you own a boat or a jet ski?
(Visitor survey)

Multiple Responses Allowed

No, does not
own a boat or
jet ski

Yes, owns a
boat other than
jet ski

Yes, owns a jet
ski

Percent (n=171)

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

189

Q151. In general, do you trailer or bring your boat
or jet ski to the Panama City area when you visit?
(Asked of those who own a boat and/or jet ski.)
(Visitor survey)

Yes

Percent (n=37)

100

190

Responsive Management

Q152. Did the recent Gulf of Mexico oil spill change
your travel plans this past summer, or did you have
any travel plans?
(Visitor survey)

Changed it greatly

Changed it a little

Did not change it
at all

Had no travel
plans

Don't know

Percent (n=171)

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

191

Q153. Did you reschedule your current / your most
recent trip to the Panama City area because of the
oil spill? (Asked of those who changed their travel
plans this past summer because of the recent Gulf
of Mexico oil spill.)
(Visitor survey)

Yes

Percent (n=25)

100

192

Responsive Management

Q26. Which of the following best describes your
business?
(Business survey)

Chartered fishing trips
Dolphin tours

Retailer

Jet ski rental

Boat rental

Chartered diving excursions

Vacation rental

Marine service (e.g., lessons, license
courses, private boat storage)

Tours in general

Kayak rental

Restaurant

Public display facility (for example, zoo
or aquarium)

Wildlife viewing

Marina

Don't know / did not respond

2
0

Percent (n=89)

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

193

Q20. How many years has your business been in
operation?
(Business survey)

More than 50 years
41-50 years

31-40 years

8
3

26-30 years

21-25 years
7

16-20 years
11-15 years

6-10 years

Mean = 18.75 years
Median = 13 years

5 years

4 years

3 years

2 years

1 year

Less than a year

Don't know / cannot recall

2
0

Percent (n=89)

100

194

Responsive Management

Q21. Is your business vessel-based? (In other
words, does your business entail using a boat?)
(Business survey)

Yes

Percent (n=89)

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

195

Q22. How many vessels does your company own?
(Asked of those whose business is
vessel-based.)
(Business survey)

More than 20
vessels

11-20 vessels

6-10 vessels

5 vessels

Mean = 5 vessels
Median = 2 vessels

4 vessels

3 vessels

2 vessels

1 vessel

Don't know /
cannot recall

Percent (n=69)

100

196

Responsive Management

Q23a. How many guests does your first vessel
hold? (Asked of those whose business is vesselbased and own at least one vessel.)
(Business survey)

More than 50
guests

21-50 guests

16-20 guests

Mean = 13 guests
Median = 6 guests

11-15 guests

7-10 guests

6 guests

5 guests

4 guests

3 guests

1-2 guests
0

Percent (n=66)

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

197

Q23b. How many guests does your second vessel
hold? (Asked of those whose business is vesselbased and own at least two vessels.)
(Business survey)

More than 50
guests

21-50 guests

16-20 guests

11-15 guests

5
Mean = 20 guests
Median = 6 guests

7-10 guests

6 guests

5 guests

4 guests

3 guests

1-2 guests

Don't know /
cannot recall

3
0

Percent (n=40)

100

198

Responsive Management

Q23c. How many guests does your third vessel
hold? (Asked of those whose business is vesselbased and own at least three vessels.)
(Business survey)

More than 50
guests

21-50 guests

16-20 guests

11-15 guests

7-10 guests

13
Mean = 45 guests
Median = 6 guests

6 guests

5 guests

4 guests

3 guests

1-2 guests

Don't know /
cannot recall

4
0

Percent (n=23)

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

199

Q24. If your business owns more than 3 vessels,
how many guests does a typical vessel at your
company hold? (Asked of those whose business is
vessel-based and own more than 3 vessels.)
(Business survey)

More than 50
guests

21-50 guests

16-20 guests

11-15 guests

Mean = 19 guests
Median = 6 guests
8

7-10 guests

6 guests
5 guests

4 guests

8
15

3 guests
0

1-2 guests
Don't know /
cannot recall

8
0

Percent (n=13)

100

200

Responsive Management

Q25. Does your business operate year-round?
(Business survey)

Year-round

Only part of the
year

Don't know / did
not respond

Percent (n=89)

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

201

Q37. Do you think the oil spill in the Gulf hurt or
helped your business, or did it not have any effect?
(Business survey)

Hurt a whole lot

Hurt a little

Had no effect

Helped a whole
lot

Don't know / did
not respond

Percent (n=89)

100

202

Responsive Management

Q38. Are you or is your business a member of or
have you or your business donated to any boating,
fishing, recreation, or conservation organizations
in the past 2 years?
(Business survey)

Yes

Don't know / did
not respond

Percent (n=89)

100

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

203

Q39. Which boating, fishing, recreation, or conservation
organizations are you or your business a member of or have
donated to? (Asked of those whose business or who
personally are a member of or have donated to any boating,
fishing, recreation, or conservation organization.)
(Business survey)
Boating associations (e.g., American
Sailing Association, Boat U.S., National
Association of Charterboat Operators)

Miscellaneous conservation
organizations (e.g., Nature Conservatory,
Ducks Unlimited)

Multiple Responses Allowed

Miscellaneous local or state
organizations

Governmental organization (e.g., state
DNR / Wildlife Commision, parks)

Miscellaneous fishing organizations
Miscellaneous tourism businesses or
organizations (e.g., MACO magazine,
Gulf World Marine Park)
Miscellaneous non-profit organizations
other than conservation / environmental
organizations (e.g., Fish Florida,
American Cancer Society)

Miscellaneous national wildlife
organizations

Don't know / cannot recall

Percent (n=29)

100

204

Responsive Management

ABOUT RESPONSIVE MANAGEMENT
Responsive Management is an internationally recognized public opinion and attitude survey research
firm specializing in natural resource and outdoor recreation issues. Our mission is to help natural
resource and outdoor recreation agencies and organizations better understand and work with their
constituents, customers, and the public.
Utilizing our in-house, full-service telephone, mail, and web-based survey center with 50
professional interviewers, we have conducted more than 1,000 telephone surveys, mail surveys,
personal interviews, and focus groups, as well as numerous marketing and communication plans,
needs assessments, and program evaluations.
Clients include the federal natural resource and land management agencies, most state fish and
wildlife agencies, state departments of natural resources, environmental protection agencies, state
park agencies, tourism boards, most of the major conservation and sportsmen’s organizations, and
numerous private businesses. Responsive Management also collects attitude and opinion data for
many of the nation’s top universities.
Specializing in research on public attitudes toward natural resource and outdoor recreation issues,
Responsive Management has completed a wide range of projects during the past 20 years, including
dozens of studies of hunters, anglers, wildlife viewers, boaters, park visitors, historic site visitors,
hikers, birdwatchers, campers, and rock climbers. Responsive Management has conducted studies
on endangered species; waterfowl and wetlands; and the reintroduction of large predators such as
wolves, grizzly bears, and the Florida panther.
Responsive Management has assisted with research on numerous natural resource ballot initiatives
and referenda and has helped agencies and organizations find alternative funding and increase their
membership and donations. Additionally, Responsive Management has conducted major
organizational and programmatic needs assessments to assist natural resource agencies and
organizations in developing more effective programs based on a solid foundation of fact.

Attitudes Toward the Illegal Feeding and Harassment of Wild Dolphins

205

Responsive Management has conducted research on public attitudes toward natural resources and
outdoor recreation in almost every state in the United States, as well as in Canada, Australia, the
United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan. Responsive Management has also conducted focus
groups and personal interviews with residents of the African countries of Algeria, Cameroon,
Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Responsive Management routinely conducts surveys in Spanish and has conducted surveys in
Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese and has completed numerous studies with specific target
audiences, including Hispanics, African-Americans, Asians, women, children, senior citizens, urban,
suburban and rural residents, large landowners, and farmers.
Responsive Management’s research has been upheld in U.S. District Courts; used in peer-reviewed
journals; and presented at major natural resource, fish and wildlife, and outdoor recreation
conferences across the world. Company research has been featured in most of the nation’s major
media, including CNN, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and on the front pages of USA
Today and The Washington Post. Responsive Management’s research has also been highlighted in
Newsweek magazine.
Visit the Responsive Management website at:
www.responsivemanagement.com

File Type	application/pdf
File Title	Microsoft Word - NMFS Dolphin Report.doc
Author	ext226tom
File Modified	2011-10-19
File Created	2011-10-13