Study title

The survey charted experts' views on ecological thresholds in coastal areas. First, the perceived importance of various thresholds was examined. The respondents were presented with a two-dimensional graph, which probed their views on the probability of the existence of various thresholds vis-à-vis the capacity of present management and governance structures to prevent exceeding these thresholds. In addition, they were presented with a set of attitudinal statements on exceeding various thresholds. Another two-dimensional graph was used to probe views on the current level of public acceptance of the measures needed to avoid passing ecological thresholds vis-à-vis the level of current scientific knowledge on the measures needed to avoid passing the thresholds. Finally, the respondents were presented with a set of attitudinal statements on the knowledge of ecological thresholds and on management strategies for them. Background variables included the respondent's gender, age, education, country, and field of expertise.