“Opinions about coral reefs varied, Needham said, but were mostly just variations on how much protection might be needed, with some people feeling more extreme than others. Virtually no one wanted expanded use of coral reefs to the extent it might degrade them for enjoyment by future generations, and many were willing to endorse any level of protection needed, even if it meant banning human use. These views toward coral reefs reflected peoples’ core personal values and are unlikely to change much, scientists said.”

If the question really was, “Do you want coral reef’s to be protected if not doing so will degrade them for future generations?” how many people are really going to say “No”.

“many were willing to endorse any level of protection needed” isn’t a very concrete statement either.