1. The number of young conservationist movements is increasing worldwide, as new generations become more aware of the environmental problems that are having an impact on the planet. Consequently, young people appear to play a fundamental role in developing successful conservation strategies.
2. This research examines young citizens’ knowledge, attitudes and engagement in cetacean conservation in coastal and non-coastal regions of Spain, and assesses the influence of whaling tradition.
3. A total of 902 anonymous surveys were conducted with students between 14 and 16 years old at 10 high schools located in nine different study areas, six located along the Cantabrian coast (Southern Bay of Biscay) and three located in inland regions of Spain.
4. In general, results showed low levels of knowledge about cetaceans and whaling among young people, but high concern about cetacean conservation. As it was expected, knowledge about the history of whaling was higher in participants from areas with than without a whaling tradition. However, no statistically significant differences were found regarding attitudes towards cetaceans between these two groups.
5. Significant differences were detected between genders with respect to cetacean conservation and engagement. Females showed more positive attitudes towards cetaceans when compared with their male counterparts.
6. A correlation between knowledge and positive attitudes regarding whales and dolphins was found in areas located along the Cantabrian coast, and a correlation between positive attitudes and engagement in cetacean conservation was observed in all study areas.
7. Although the majority of participants showed strong support for the protection of whales and dolphins, less than two-thirds stated that they were willing to engage in cetacean conservation.
8. The results of this study may contribute to the implementation of improved marine education programmes. These programmes should not only raise awareness of the marine environment, but also promote pro-environmental behaviour and engagement in the protection of the ocean.

中文翻译：

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海洋公民的未来就在眼前：西班牙年轻公民眼中的鲸类保护

1. 随着新一代人越来越意识到对地球产生影响的环境问题，年轻的环保运动在全球范围内的数量正在增加。因此，年轻人似乎在制定成功的保护战略方面发挥着重要作用。
2. 这项研究调查了西班牙沿海和非沿海地区年轻公民对鲸类保护的知识、态度和参与，并评估了捕鲸传统的影响。
3. 总共对 14 至 16 岁的学生进行了 902 次匿名调查，这些学生在位于九个不同研究区域的 10 所高中中进行，其中六所位于坎塔布连海岸（比斯开湾南部），三所位于西班牙内陆地区。
4. 总的来说，结果表明年轻人对鲸类和捕鲸的了解程度较低，但对鲸类保护的关注度很高。正如预期的那样，来自有捕鲸传统地区的参与者对捕鲸历史的了解高于没有捕鲸传统的地区。然而，在这两组之间对鲸类动物的态度方面没有发现统计学上的显着差异。
5. 在鲸类保护和参与方面，性别之间发现了显着差异。与雄性相比，雌性对鲸类动物表现出更积极的态度。
6. 在位于坎塔布连海岸的地区发现了关于鲸鱼和海豚的知识和积极态度之间的相关性，并且在所有研究区域都观察到了积极态度和参与鲸类动物保护之间的相关性。
7. 虽然大多数参与者对保护鲸鱼和海豚表示强烈支持，但只有不到三分之二的人表示愿意参与鲸豚保护。
8. 这项研究的结果可能有助于实施改进的海洋教育计划。这些计划不仅应提高对海洋环境的认识，而且还应促进亲环境行为和参与保护海洋。