Understanding public and stakeholder attitudes in pollinator conservation policy development.

• Pollinator conservation is a topic of public concern. This study analyses public comments on policy to determine stance, sources, and main concerns. • We found the greatest concerns were for bees and pollination, but that the diversity of bees their role in pollination was not well understood. • Regulation of neonics and other actions to protect pollinators have broad which creates a rare opportunity for conservation policy and action. • We found very strong support for neonicotinoid regulation, with less than 5% opposed to the proposed policy. • We conclude to be effective support will need to be translated into evidence-based policy that addresses the threats at-risk pollinators face. Pollinator conservation is a major focus of current conservation attention and public policy. However, an understanding of the social dimensions of pollinator conservation is urgently needed for effective action. In 2014, Ontario became the first jurisdiction in North America to propose to regulate neonicotinoid pesticides, and the proposal included a draft Pollinator Health Action Plan with additional measures to protect pollinator species. We analyzed the 972 comments submitted on the proposal by individual citizens, determining each commenter's stance, source of information (if applicable), and main concerns. We found very strong support for neonicotinoid regulation, with less than 5% opposed. We also found that the greatest concerns were for bees and pollination services, but that the diversity of pollinating species and the relative contributions of various taxa to pollination was not well understood. Government regulation of neonicotinoid pesticides and other actions to protect pollinator health clearly have the broad support and great interest of the general public, which creates a rare opportunity for conservation policy and action. We conclude that, in order to be effective, broad support will need to be translated into nuanced, evidence-based policy that is focussed on native species and addresses the many threats at-risk pollinators face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]