Aquaculture is often seen as a way for commercial fishers to diversify their livelihoods. However, the adoption process is complex. Maine (USA) provides an opportunity to explore the potential for commercial fishers to adopt aquaculture, given the state’s growing aquaculture industry and a coastal economy highly dependent on the commercial fishery for the American lobster (Homarus americanus). The lobster fishery faces challenges such as declining landings, market uncertainty, and complex regulations. In response to these changes, there is interest in helping fishers adopt aquaculture, and several aquaculture training programs targeted at commercial fishers have been launched. Given the changes occurring in fisheries and aquaculture and the potential for aquaculture to be a diversification strategy for commercial fishers, we aimed to explore the implications of a growing aquaculture sector within the context of environmental and social change in coastal communities. We applied the adoption of innovation theoretical framework to determine individual characteristics and perceptions that would predispose commercial lobster license holders to consider adopting marine aquaculture.
In 2018, we distributed a structured mail survey to Maine lobster license holders to determine their willingness to consider employment in aquaculture. Survey questions focused on demographic background, fishing history and experience, and perceptions of the future lobster fishery and aquaculture. Individuals were asked to rate their level of agreement with a statement, “I will be employed in the marine aquaculture industry within the next 5 years.” Our initial analysis shows that most respondents did not think they would work in aquaculture, and their views on aquaculture were generally neutral
The study will provide a summary of the demographic and fishing history, experience, and perceptions of aquaculture. This research is important as it establishes a baseline before the COVID-19 pandemic for lobster fishery participants and their attitudes towards aquaculture. The results of this study are particularly relevant to Maine, as it will help practitioners understand the potential of aquaculture as a diversification strategy for Maine’s coastal communities and working waterfronts. In a broader context, this study adds to the literature on livelihood diversification and the adoption of innovation, specifically focusing on the integration of aquaculture and commercial fishing in a developed nation.