Environmental communication: efforts of leaders in the surfing community and environmental organizations on O'ahu to collaborate and communicate about marine environmental concerns

Abstract

This thesis explores the communication initiatives between members of the surfing community and environmental organizations on O'ahu to raise awareness about marine environmental problems in the Hawaiian Islands and, more specifically, how these two groups can collaborate with one another to make a difference in the health of our ocean and the preservation of beaches, reefs and coastlines for future generations. A total of seven individuals from the surfing community and environmental groups on O'ahu were interviewed on camera. The interviewees gave their opinions on what they believe should be the next steps to further communicate the importance of the community's involvement in mitigating the effects of the environmental problems that harm our ocean. The information presented in this thesis can serve as a platform for the surf community on O'ahu and environmental groups to formulate more communication campaigns focused on the environmental problems that face our ocean in order to bring awareness to the community. The interviews were used to create a video portion of this thesis that provides a visual, tangible display of the need for a bigger effort to involve the surfing community here on O'ahu as well as professional surfers to help tackle environmental problems that are harming our ocean, reefs and beaches. The information gathered from each interviewee will serve to give the leaders of the surfing community and of environmental groups a connection through which to collaborate and improve their relationships with one anther in order to come together as a community and embrace a collective action.