Public support for novel crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster spp.) control interventions using semiochemicals on the Great Barrier Reef

Abstract Wildlife management is increasingly challenged by ecological pressures and public controversy, particularly in relation to pest control strategies in Australia and globally. As invasive species and human–wildlife conflicts intensify, understanding public support for wildlife management has become essential to the design and legitimacy of effective interventions. This study aimed to quantify public support for novel control interventions utilizing semiochemicals to manage crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) outbreaks on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). A national survey ( n = 1,061) of Australian residents was conducted in 2024 to better understand how people perceive the benefits and risks of both conventional and semiochemical-based control interventions, which influence COTS behavior, whether they support research and implementation of these interventions, and factors associated with support for scaled deployment across the GBR. Public support for both conventional and semiochemical-based COTS control was high across all stages of research and development from the provision of research funding to laboratory research and small-scale trials, while support for large-scale outdoor use was medium to strong. Support for large-scale use was particularly high among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander respondents, those with high self-assessed knowledge of the technology, those convinced of its environmental and economic feasibility, and men. Support was lower among those who voted for independent political candidates and minor parties, and those who know COTS are native to the GBR. Poor respondent knowledge of COTS and inconsistent relationships between knowledge and support suggest public communication and engagement about the rationale for innovation in COTS control will be critical to successful implementation.