Influence of a Tribally Led Children's Environmental Education Program on Shellfish Harvesting Beliefs and Behavioral Intentions

To increase the understanding of shellfish toxin risks and support safe harvesting practices, the Sitka Tribe of Alaska develops and organizes environmental education programs. This study (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05247229) evaluates the Tribe's new middle school program, drawing on the theory of planned behavior to investigate pre-post-program shifts in beliefs and behavioral intentions related to shellfish harvesting and mitigating exposure risks by checking a tribally run website with near real-time toxin level data. Participants included 50 middle school students across three Southeast Alaska communities-Sitka, Hoonah, and Juneau. Research activities included pre- and post-program surveys and interviews. We used generalized estimating equation linear regression of survey data to investigate pre-post-program changes in beliefs and behavioral intentions related to shellfish harvesting and risk reduction and how changes in beliefs relate to changes in behavioral intentions. Interviews contextualized beliefs and behavioral intentions measured in surveys. Following the program, participants reported more positive perceptions and increased behavioral intentions related to shellfish harvesting and checking toxin levels, although differences emerged across sites and Alaska Native identity. Participants' understanding of the risk reduction strategy and confidence in abilities to check toxin levels also increased, suggesting that integrating risk perception in the theory of planned behavior and practical risk reduction strategies in environmental education tailored to local ecological and cultural contexts can be effective in promoting safe behaviors. Additionally, participants emphasized the influence of their family's harvesting practices on their beliefs and behaviors, suggesting the importance of family engagement in environmental education.