Researchers are visiting nearly two dozen sites along the Oregon coast to find out what visitors know about Oregon’s Marine Reserves and whether their visits will help foster change in habits to help curb climate change.

Two groups of two interviewers from Oregon State University will ask random visitors questions focused on education outreach about ocean acidification and whether visiting the coast can help trigger personal changes to reduce the impact of global warming. Participants also will be asked about their knowledge of Oregon’s five marine reserves.

The interviews will take place at 23 parks, visitor centers or other beach access points through late August. Many of the sites are at or near marine reserves.

The study is targeting at least 1,600 respondents, but Tommy Swearingen, an Oregon Marine Reserves staffer who is helping in the study, expects upwards of 2,500 or more participants.

The results will be matched with online surveys of about 1,400 Oregonians concluded this spring. Results are expected later this year.