Addressing constraints to shellfish aquaculture through quantifying public perceptions and attitudes along the Atlantic coast of the US

Despite the social, economic, and ecological benefits that shellfish aquaculture provides, there are significant barriers to expansion of the aquaculture industry as a result of possible environmental impacts (real or perceived) and social concerns from coastal communities. Coastal residents may perceive aquaculture as a nuisance, and the sentiment of not in my backyard (NIMBYism) is a common response and potential barrier to proposed increases in local shellfish aquaculture operations. To better understand these societal concerns and determine the potential drivers behind perceptions of oyster aquaculture, we surveyed coastal communities along the Eastern US using an online survey through Qualtrics panels. Most coastal residents indicated that they would support aquaculture expansion; however, residents who perceived oyster aquaculture as beneficial to their local economy were more supportive of expansion, whereas those who perceived oyster aquaculture as harmful to it were less likely to support expansion. These findings have important management implications as they can help inform managers on how to effectively engage with the public and better support industry and community relations. Furthermore, they could help inform how policies, practices, and education could change perceptions of aquaculture stakeholders, including coastal residents, and thereby the future of the aquaculture industry in the US.