Ocean literacy survey: headline findings

Headline findings from an online survey with the public in Scotland on the topic of ocean literacy - exploring the public's understanding of the marine environment. It is part of a wider project covering England and Wales.


Outcomes and motivations of visits

Good mental health (83%) and physical health (80%) were the most frequently reported outcomes from spending time in a marine environment. Only 1% were prescribed or advised by their GP to undertake their activity (Figure 36).

Figure 36: Outcomes associated with most recent visit to marine environment (weighted %)
a bar chart that shows which outcomes respondents associated with a recent visit to a marine environment as reported in the previous paragraph.

Q33: Which of the following statements about this time spent at a marine environment are true?

Unweighted base: Where visited in the last 12 months: 1,755

Dimensions

  • Access, experience, and proximity
  • Personal or emotional connection
  • Activism
  • Behaviour
  • Communication
  • Attitudes
  • Knowledge
  • Awareness

When asked about general motivations for visiting marine environments, the most commonly reported reasons were clearing one's head (39%) and feeling healthier (33%) (Figure 37).

Figure 37: General motivations for visiting the marine environment (weighted %)
a bar chart that shows general motivations for visiting marine environments as reported in the previous paragraph.

Q36: Thinking more generally about the marine environment, which three statements best describe your motivation to visit?

Unweighted base: Where visited in the last 12 months: 1,755

Dimensions

  • Access, experience, and proximity
  • Personal or emotional connection
  • Activism
  • Behaviour
  • Communication
  • Attitudes
  • Knowledge
  • Awareness

Contact

Email: socialresearch@gov.scot

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