An important step in establishing or growing a shellfish aquaculture operation is obtaining a lease. While many states allow aquaculturists to find their own lease location, this process is often a time-intensive and expensive process which can be a barrier for new entrants to the industry. Zoned leasing is a way for state agencies to pre-approve large areas for shellfish aquaculture then divide the areas into smaller parcels. This theoretically lowers the barrier to entry that can arise from shellfish aquaculture leasing
This project utilized semi-structured interviews with shellfish aquaculturists in Florida to investigate the impact of zoned leasing on individual businesses. Florida was chosen because it is both the first state in the United States to implement a zoned leasing system and the state with the greatest utilization of the system. This study found that zoned leasing can support new entrants and industry growth if specific additional factors are also considered. These include: establishing zones in locations with the necessary physical and environmental characteristics for the expected type of shellfish aquaculture; allowing space specifically for new entrants; making a streamlined process for industry participants to select their own lease site if zoned opportunities are not available; and needs for on-land infrastructure development and ample seed supplies to support the growing industry