This research project surveyed public attitudes toward threatened and endangered species and Steller sea lions in particular. More specifically, researchers explored respondent preferences for protecting these animals.

More than 40% of respondents expressed concern for the western stock of Steller sea lions (SSL), while less than 25% of respondents expressed concern for eastern stock SSL. In general, few differences between the attitudes toward SSL held by Alaskans versus other U.S. adults; the majority of respondents appear to want to do more to protect the western stock beyond current protections. This desire translates into a willingness to pay for marginal improvements to SSL protection, but this willingness is incrementally less for large-scale changes.