Drivers of Social Acceptability for Bivalve Aquaculture in Atlantic Canadian Communities

Abstract

Aquaculture is a growing sector in Canada; while salmon remains Canada’s largest export, bivalve aquaculture production is increasing due to its perceived sustainability. Despite similar environmental effects of bivalve aquaculture on most ecosystems, the socio-economic contexts of prospective sites may differ; some ongoing and proposed bivalve farming projects are under intense public scrutiny in Atlantic Canadian communities. This research explores the environmental, social, and economic effects that inform social acceptance of bivalve aquaculture in Antigonish Harbour, NS, and North Rustico Harbour, PEI. Using a quantitative approach that examined perceptions of bivalve farming through online surveys, findings suggest that perceptions of environmental effects were mixed, social effects were negative, and economic effects were positive. Perceptions of environmental effects were similar, while economic and social effects varied between communities, suggesting that socio-economic contexts should be considered as part of prospective site evaluations. Research should be conducted at the local level to address how bivalve aquaculture may interact with communities; localized research could better identify drivers of community perception for bivalve aquaculture and potentially increase social acceptability of the industry.

Keywords: Bivalve farming, shellfish aquaculture, coastal communities, social acceptance, Atlantic Canada, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island