How do Residents of South Florida Perceive Aquaculture?
Abstract
Aquaculture is the raising of fish either extensively, in cages located in public waterways or coastal waters, or intensively, in closed-circuit tanks on land. Aquaculture is mainly done to produce seafood for human consumption. This study used an IRB-approved survey of South Florida residents to assess attitudes regarding the potential ability of aquaculture to produce seafood and how the process of aquaculture is viewed by the public. The survey used voluntary participants for the main results, with stratified sampling to select participants for a subsequent voluntary focus group. The focus group collected additional information about the views of the participants. Results showed that a large portion of respondents were aware of the aquaculture process, which is surprising given the lack of large-scale aquaculture in the region. These results also show that while many were hesitant to completely agree with the processes of aquaculture systems, there might be a willingness to change that view based on alterations made to current techniques. The most common concern from respondents were ethical issues with aquaculture production in general. With global wild fish catches for human consumption now moderating or declining, aquaculture production will increasingly replace the missing market demand. The information gathered will provide policy-makers and aquaculture facility owners insights regarding increasing public awareness and suggesting methods or changes to current techniques to alleviate ethical concerns by the public regarding aquaculture production.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. David Kerstetter
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-3-2024 12:30 PM
End Date
4-4-2024 1:30 PM
How do Residents of South Florida Perceive Aquaculture?
Alvin Sherman Library
Aquaculture is the raising of fish either extensively, in cages located in public waterways or coastal waters, or intensively, in closed-circuit tanks on land. Aquaculture is mainly done to produce seafood for human consumption. This study used an IRB-approved survey of South Florida residents to assess attitudes regarding the potential ability of aquaculture to produce seafood and how the process of aquaculture is viewed by the public. The survey used voluntary participants for the main results, with stratified sampling to select participants for a subsequent voluntary focus group. The focus group collected additional information about the views of the participants. Results showed that a large portion of respondents were aware of the aquaculture process, which is surprising given the lack of large-scale aquaculture in the region. These results also show that while many were hesitant to completely agree with the processes of aquaculture systems, there might be a willingness to change that view based on alterations made to current techniques. The most common concern from respondents were ethical issues with aquaculture production in general. With global wild fish catches for human consumption now moderating or declining, aquaculture production will increasingly replace the missing market demand. The information gathered will provide policy-makers and aquaculture facility owners insights regarding increasing public awareness and suggesting methods or changes to current techniques to alleviate ethical concerns by the public regarding aquaculture production.
