Observational data for Beyond the Sign: Identifying opportunities for aquatic invasive species prevention behavior education and outreach among boating anglers

Abstract

An observation form was created based on past literature (Angell, 2023; Fortin, 2020), approved by an AIS expert advisory committee, and pre-tested. Based on pre-tests, several adjustments occurred such as the addition of specific fishing related equipment to observe, the state in which the license plate of the trailer was from, and visuals of the various boat types. The final form included sections on context, boat type, boater behavior related to cleaning and draining as well as visible vegetation at exit.

For context, temperature, weather warnings, number of trailers in the parking lot and their state of license were collected at the start and end of each observation period. During our observation periods we unobtrusively observed fishing vessels exiting the access.

To maximize observational opportunities, volunteers from the Greater Minnesota community were recruited and trained in the observational protocols related to the project. Volunteers were trained via an online meeting hosted and designed by the project team. During the training, project goals and expectations were outlined, volunteers were also given a chance to ask any clarifying questions of the project team. After the online training session volunteers participated in a hands-on observational period under the direct supervision of project personnel at the lake access at which they would be observing.