Exploring U.S. Citizen Knowledge of Aquaculture

While aquaculture continues to boom in the waters of the United States, the information surrounding it has not. However, expanded aquaculture may conflict with existing marine uses (ex: recreation, wild harvest) and viewscapes. Thus, expansion of aquaculture may experience constraints from social acceptance. To improve our understanding of citizen acceptance of aquaculture, we designed and administered an online survey to collect information regarding aquaculture awareness, perceptions, and governance. Participants provided information on a scale from 0 to 100 on both current level of knowledge and perceived knowledge needs. When asked how much they currently knew about aquaculture, respondents reported an average of 15.87 out of 100 (N = 1210). When asked how much they thought they needed to know, respondents reported an average of 41.83 out of 100 (N = 1210). The knowledge gap is further explored through six common myths regarding aquaculture provided by NOAA (i.e. Growing shellfish can improve water quality); interestingly over 60% of respondents were unable to answer these questions. Linear regression will be executed to determine the factors that explain a citizen's view of their current, and needed knowledge, including socio-demographics, sources of information and current risk perceptions of aquaculture. This analysis is important to those seeking to identify a place in which to improve aquaculture education, whether it be in the classroom or elsewhere. Further, this work will provide insight into social acceptance of aquaculture development which is key information for marine planners.

Faculty Mentor: Caroline Noblet