Emotional Responses to the Marine Environment
Key Findings
- In 2021 the Scottish Government commissioned research on Ocean Literacy. This took the form of a questionnaire with 3055 members of the public taking part. The full document can be found following this link. The data from this document is at a national scale.
- To measure peoples' emotional link to the coast, participants were asked to choose three words that express this relationship.
- Concern was the number one answer with 51% of participants choosing that word. Other negative emotions including frustration, anxiety, anger and shame all scored over 10%.
- Positive emotions such as awe/wonder, curiosity, and calm/relaxation took up places 2,3 and 4 with happiness in 6th place.
- The survey did not include data on the three words individuals picked. This would have been useful as it would have informed us if people had a mix of emotions or were generally all positive or all negative.

Notes
None
Linked Information Sheets
Perceived Health of, and Threats to the Marine Environment - Numbers of fishing vessels – Training - Employment - Mackerel line catch value
Key sources of Information
Reviewed on/by
31/01/23 by Ian Hay
Status
First Draft (this is for demonstration only at this time and has not been reviewed)
To report errors, highlight new data, or discuss alternative interpretations, please complete the form below and we will aim to respond to you within 28 days
Contact us
Telephone: 07971149117
E-mail: ian.hay@stateofthecoast.scot