SOPHIE Survey

The aim of the Seas, Oceans and Public Health in Europe survey has been to improve understanding of the European public’s beliefs about how marine issues affect human health and wellbeing.

View the full ‘citizens and the sea’ survey report here.

Download the graphical overview here.

The survey considered activities such as fishing, aquaculture, oil and gas extraction, marine renewable energy, tourism and coastal management.

The survey has shed light on the public perceptions of the potential impacts of these activities to human health, the environment and the economy – both positive and negative. As well as perceptions of potential risks to health from factors like pollution.

The content of the survey consisted of questions taken from a number of pre-existing social and environmental questionnaires. It gathered responses to these questions from 14,000 people across 14 European nations.

We measured participants’ interactions with the marine environment and collected information about their social status. This information has helped us to understand beliefs and perceptions in different groups and cultures across Europe.

The responses from the survey aim to inform policy makers about the aspirations and fears of the public, and recommends steps for policy makers to balance the needs of economic development, environmental protection, and public health and wellbeing.

This project was conducted with support from all SOPHIE partners.