fewer believe that fishing will be the most important in the 

 future than believe that it is the most important now. Among 

 residents outside the coastal zone, these perceptions are 

 reversed. (Lindsey et al . , 1976.) 



While Louisiana residents seem to understand the importance 

 of the coastal zone and the types of activities that occur 

 there, Lindsey et al. (1976) found that over 60 percent had no 

 knowledge of what is meant by "Coastal Zone Management." In 

 addition, 82.8 percent have no knowledge of specific develop- 

 ment projects in the coastal zone. Oil industry development 

 was the development project most people knew about and only 

 5.9 percent identified it. (Lindsey et al . , 1976.) 



Concerning the future of the coastal zone, Louisiana 

 residents were asked their preferences for development of 

 marshes and coastal water by Lindsey et al . (1976) . Nearly half 

 the respondents felt that marshes and waters should be left in 

 their natural condition or restricted to recreational use such 

 as sport fishing and hunting. Significantly, over 15 percent 

 felt that marshes and waters should be drained for farming and 

 residential use. When questioned about responsibility for 

 decisions about the coastal zone, Louisianians indicate a strong 

 preference for state, local, or individual control instead of 

 federal control. Almost 50 percent of the residents' feel that 

 the coastal zone will improve or not change in the future. 

 Although more people in the coastal zone (34.8%) feel that it 

 will decline than those outside of the coastal zone (22.9%). 



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