1.2 Myths

While mythical sea creatures can be entertaining, they are not helpful when trying to conserve ocean and coastal lands or resources.

Unfortunately, many myths exist about the management of ocean and coastal environments, especially as they relate to private leasing and ownership. Managers, scholars, and conservationists alike often hold preconceived notions about what can be done with the lands and resources lying within ocean and coastal waters. Some of these myths are put forward as “biblical fact,” some are based on hearsay, and some are rooted in specific experiences. Even so, standing myths are often counterproductive. While we cannot address all of the myths within this toolkit, we have attempted to identify and dispel the most prevalent ones.

Image: The first American sea serpent, reported from Cape Ann, Massachusetts, in 1639. Source: Ellis, R. 1994. Monsters of the Sea. Robert Hale Ltd.