Public perceptions of risk associated with aquatic invasive species

Public opinion about aquatic invasive species (AIS) can relate to perceptions of those species’ impact on human livelihood and recreational activity. In particular, opinion shifts as people identify a specific species as “perpetrator” of harm against humans, ecosystems or other animals. These changes in public opinion can have direct bearing on support or opposition to  management strategies, especially those involving lethal control, but the predictive relationship is not well understood. Thus, managers are limited in their ability to anticipate public support for or opposition to management activities and engaging stakeholders as part of the management process.