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Improving sustainability of aquaculture in Europe: stakeholder dialogues on Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA)
Citation
Alexander, KA and Angel, D and Freeman, S and Israel, D and Johansen, J and Kletou, D and Meland, M and Pecorino, D and Rebours, C and Rousou, M and Shorten, M and Potts, T, Improving sustainability of aquaculture in Europe: stakeholder dialogues on Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), Environmental Science and Policy, 55, (Part 1) pp. 96-106. ISSN 1462-9011 (2016) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
Copyright 2015 Elsevier Ltd.
DOI: doi:10.1016/j.envsci.2015.09.006
Abstract
Research into stakeholder perceptions of conventional aquaculture has focused upon issues such as risk,
impact on other users of marine space, and the factors influencing consumers. However, some of these
issues may become redundant with new aquaculture practices such as Integrated Multi-trophic
Aquaculture (IMTA). For practices such as IMTA to realise their potential they must be socially acceptable
and this may depend on satisfying key stakeholders. This study used in-depth interviews to identify
potential concerns of stakeholders as well as perceived benefits in relation to the development of IMTA to
a commercial level of production. A total of 44 interviews were conducted across 12 stakeholder groups
in six countries: Cyprus, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Norway and Scotland. Levels of awareness and
understanding of IMTA were mixed across stakeholder groups and across countries. Concerns were
raised including: spatial location issues, food safety and disease. Perceived benefits of IMTA included:
waste utilisation, minimisation of impacts to the benthos and the filtering of sea lice larvae. Also
recognised as important was the creation of new income streams. The results showed that some issues/
benefits were more important in certain countries. Risks to the environment, risks arising from
governance and risks to the industry itself were raised, but stakeholders felt that these sources of risk
could be addressed by research studies, education and changes to legislation. Stakeholders also believed
that IMTA could contribute to improving the image of the aquaculture industry. For IMTA to successfully
move forward from pilot scale to commercial scale development, it is imperative that the issues raised in
this study form priorities for reform and action.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | aquaculture, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, social acceptability, stakeholder, perceptions, sustanability |
| Research Division: | Studies in Human Society |
| Research Group: | Human Geography |
| Research Field: | Human Geography not elsewhere classified |
| Objective Division: | Environment |
| Objective Group: | Environmental Policy, Legislation and Standards |
| Objective Field: | Coastal and Marine Management Policy |
| Author: | Alexander, KA (Dr Karen Alexander) |
| ID Code: | 107755 |
| Year Published: | 2016 |
| Web of Science® Times Cited: | 11 |
| Deposited By: | IMAS Research and Education Centre |
| Deposited On: | 2016-03-23 |
| Last Modified: | 2018-04-05 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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