Surveying aquaculture’s state

Tracey M. Dalton, professor of marine affairs at the University of Rhode Island, is currently leading a study that examines the public’s opinion about aquaculture in the Ocean State. Surveys were recently sent out to 1,400 Rhode Islanders in order to determine aquaculture farming’s “social carrying capacity.” This is the first of a two-part study; the second study will focus on how people use local waters, including the Ninigret, Point Judith and Quonochontaug salt ponds. Dalton has co-authored numerous publications that focus on social and ecological factors of marine protected areas, among other topics. She has also served as a guest investigator for the Marine Policy Center at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. She holds a Ph.D. in environmental science (policy specialization) from the University of Massachusetts Boston and a B.S. in chemistry from Boston College.

What do researchers hope to gain from this study?

In this Rhode Island Sea Grant-funded project, we are conducting a statewide survey of public perceptions of shellfish aquaculture, which is the commercial farming of shellfish-like clams, oysters and mussels in order to harvest and sell them. … Through this study, we want to learn more about why people support or oppose aquaculture and what levels of shellfish aquaculture are most acceptable to Rhode Islanders. Such information can help coastal planners and managers address public concerns during the aquaculture planning and permitting process and develop better-targeted, more-effective public outreach efforts.

Why are aquaculture farms sometimes met with contention from the public?

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Marine and coastal waters host a variety of uses, including recreational boating, commercial fishing, aquaculture, industrial shipping, swimming, kayaking and many other uses, and people don’t always agree on how these waters should be used.

What was the initial inspiration for this project?

Rhode Island general laws state that aquaculture should only be conducted within state waters in a manner consistent with the public interest. As social scientists, we want to better understand the public interests associated with aquaculture development in the state’s coastal waters. •

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