Document Type

Honors Thesis

Major

Marine Science

Advisor(s)

Teresa Johnson

Committee Members

Kathleen Bell, Caroline Noblet, Christine Beitl

Graduation Year

May 2024

Publication Date

Spring 5-2024

Abstract

The Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica) is a visually attractive seabird found in the North Atlantic Ocean. While research in the Eastern North Atlantic indicates that Puffins attract visitors to areas where the species can be viewed, less is known about visitor interest in Atlantic puffins in the Western North Atlantic. This study helps fill a gap in the literature regarding visitor interest in Atlantic puffins in the Western North Atlantic. The purpose of this study is to provide an understanding of the characteristics of passengers on board a puffin tour boat visiting Petit Manan Island, Maine, and the importance of Atlantic puffins as a trip motivator among these passengers. We used a survey of passengers (n=41) on board a tour boat visiting Petit Manan to gather data related to demographics and the significance of several possible trip motivational factors. Our results indicate that the most important trip motivator among passengers on the tour boat is seeing puffins, and that seeing the landscape and scenery of the area is also an important trip motivator. Our findings have implications for both tour boat companies and Atlantic puffin conservation groups.

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