Globally, the growing need for ocean resources is resulting in an increased demand for ocean space from a number of interest groups (e.g., fisheries, conservation, aquaculture, energy, etc.). While suitable resources exist for these activities individually, the confluence of multiple resource goals operating in the same marine space presents a conflict. Balancing all the needs of these parties is increasingly challenging and may hinder the development of less prioritized sectors (e.g., aquacultur e). This exacerbates the existing issue of social acceptance of the aquaculture sector. A possible tactic to help find common ground is co-location of marine activities , which allows for multiple uses at the same time and in the same ocean space. In areas where competition for ocean resources is escalating, co-location can alleviate stress by enabling multiple activities to take place simultaneously, thereby freeing up space for other ocean users. By increasing the value of a region and reducing the trade-offs to stakeholders and the environment, co-location may be able to increase social acceptance of aquaculture. Despite its potential, co-location has remained an understudied tactic in ocean management.
This research will address this research gap by targeting a historically significant stakeholder group in California – commercial fishermen – t o (1) provide baseline understanding of the social perceptions of fishermen towards aquaculture and (2) investigate if these perceptions might differ if aquaculture were to be co-located with clean energy, which could limit the loss of fishing grounds. This social perception and behavioral research study will aim to bridge the gap between major ocean users (i.e. fishermen) and agency members involved with aquaculture development, incorporating community engagement and collaboration into state-wide decision-making and contributing to a seafood sector that is socially resilient and sustainable.