PUBLIC PRIORITIES FOR THE CHANNEL: A review of policy and research areas to support future management of the Channel (English Edition 2015).

Abstract

This report presents the findings of a public survey, details as follows: Funded by the INTERREG IV-A France (Channel) - England programme, the Promoting Effective Governance of the Channel Ecosystem (PEGASEAS) project commissioned a survey of 2000 respondents (999 in England and 1001 in France). The aim of that survey was to better understand public perceptions of the Channel. This research is intended to provide recommendations and identify future challenges for the INTERREG V Programme. It is important to understand this for several reasons: (1) There is a lack of assessment of how the public use the Channel, improved information will help to underpin our evidence base on how the public engage with the marine and coastal environment. (2) Public support is highly influential in determining the success of management, planning and conservation in the Channel region. Understanding the public’s views on future priorities for the governance of the Channel will enable national and local authorities to make informed decisions on future funding priorities and management. (3) There is a lack of information on how actively the Channel community engage in pro-environmental behaviours, behaviours that consciously seek to minimise impact on the environment. This knowledge will assist in developing and targeting future educational and awareness strategies