One threat to fish populations, and the main focus of this thesis study, is fish disease. Fishery agencies and Michigan residents have justification to be concerned about this issue as they can create a large impact on the health of fish populations and are the cause of many fish deaths. Part A of this thesis research expanded and tested attributes of a Zoonotic Disease Risk Information Seeking and Processing (ZDRISP) model adapted to an aquatic context using a fish disease, viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS), as a case study (Clarke, 2009; Triezenberg, Gore, Riley, & Lapinski, 2014a). Part A investigated participants’ risk perceptions of VHS and its management as well as their trust in management. Results from Part A informed the creation of gain and loss outreach messages to be tested in Part B of the research. Gain and loss framing has been used as a technique in risk communication to shape individuals preferences or actions in many fields, especially health communication, but has also been studied in other contexts– including environmental actions. Part B tested five outreach messages and was conducted in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Fisheries Division and Michigan Sea Grant Extension through the Michigan State University Graduate Certification in Community Engagement program. Overall, this thesis research provides support for further testing of the ZDRISP model and insights for fisheries agencies to effectively communicate about fish diseases in a broader context.
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