Abstract
Due to the increasing risk of extinction, rehabilitation centers play a crucial role in the conservation of the various sea turtle species by aiming to stabilize or increase the population of endangered species. The public’s lack of understanding of sea turtle conservation and various anthropogenic effects on the seven species can result in misguided conservation efforts. Thus, education and outreach programs are an important tool to increase knowledge and awareness of the public, promote a change in an individual’s behavior, and improve citizen actions, and encourage ownership and empowerment, which ultimately leads to conservation effectiveness. A survey was conducted at The Coastal Stewards Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center in South Floridato build a baseline knowledge of the public regarding sea turtle conservation and rehabilitation. The aim of the study was to recognize visitor perceptions and understanding of conservation efforts and use the results to guide the specific information that should be included in educational materials. The data revealed that the most important subjects to be covered in the material are the status of sea turtles (53% correctly answered survey questions), reasons to enter rehabilitation (50% correctly answered), and process for release (66% correctly answered). The least important topic to be addressed includes who to contact when finding a stranded sea turtle (95% correctly answered) and the evaluation process for admission in rehabilitation (94% correctly answered).
The findings emphasize the importance of targeted educational efforts to address gaps in public knowledge, ultimately supporting more effective conservation strategies and fostering greater public involvement in protecting these endangered species.