The perception of aquaculture on the Swedish West Coast

Jean-Baptiste Thomas, Leif Jonas Nordström, Emma Risén, Maria E. Malmström, Fredrik Gröndahl

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Abstract

Efforts are on the way on the Swedish West Coast to develop the capacity for cultivation of marine resources, notably of kelps. Given that this is a region of
great natural and national heritage, public opposition to marine developments has been identified as a possible risk factor. This survey thus sought to shed light on awareness levels, perceptions of different types of aquaculture and on reactions to a scenario depicting future aquaculture developments on the West Coast. When asked about their general opinions of aquaculture, respondents tended to be favourable though a majority chose neutral responses. On the whole, respondents were favourable to the depicted scenario. Finally, it was found that the high-awareness group tended to be more supportive than the low or medium-awareness groups, hinting at the benefits of increasing awareness to reduce public aversion and to support a sustainable development of aquaculture on the Swedish West Coast.
Original languageEnglish
JournalAmbio
Volume47
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)398–409
Number of pages12
ISSN0044-7447
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

Keywords

  • Aquaculture
  • Bioeconomy
  • Blue growth
  • Macroalgae
  • Perception survey
  • Social acceptability
  • Seaweeds

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