Factors determining awareness and knowledge of aquatic invasive species

► We focus on the effectiveness of public awareness and education in reducing the spread of nonnative invasive species, which is an often-neglected area of research. ► Data from a survey of Wisconsin water-based recreationists are used to estimate a mixed trivariate binary-ordered probit model, with awareness and two types of knowledge as dependent variables. ► There is a tradeoff between spending funds on education programs to raise awareness and knowledge and spending on monitoring and management of aquatic invasive species. ► Our research shows that awareness programs might be more effective if targeted at those most active in water-based recreation, especially boaters and others who frequent several lakes and might thereby be an unwitting vector in the spread of aquatic invasive species.