Quantifying public support for culling crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster spp.) on the Great Barrier Reef

Abstract

Population surges of crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) (Acanthaster spp.) are a leading cause of coral cover loss on Australia's Great Barrier Reef (GBR). While COTS culling has been undertaken since 2012 little is known about how the public perceive COTS culling or how perceptions vary among social groups. Drawing on survey data collected in 2018 and 2022 we test the relative influence of demographic variables, social and institutional variables, and beliefs concerning the risks and benefits of culling, on public acceptance for the culling of COTS on the GBR. In contrast with previous research suggesting a polarization of views, we found limited opposition to culling (12% in 2018 and 8% in 2022). Remaining respondents, however, were almost equally divided between those who agreed or strongly agreed with culling and those who were neutral or only slightly in agreement. The strongest predictors of support, in terms of standardized mean odds ratios, were the perceived social, environmental, and ethical responsibility of culling (1.57), the manageability of culling risks (1.46), the personal importance of the GBR to the respondent (1.33), trust in science to deliver solutions (1.30), confidence in management of the GBR (1.26), and how much of a threat respondents believed COTS posed to the Reef (1.25). These findings suggest public communications about COTS culling might usefully focus on how scientific understanding, ongoing research, ecosystem monitoring, and partnerships with Reef Traditional Owners and stakeholders guide operations.