A model for understanding public support for aquaculture & estimating social carrying capacities in RI waters

A model for understanding public support for aquaculture

& estimating social carrying capacities in RI waters

RI SG Meet the Researchers19 May 2014

Who are we?

URI-Marine AffairsTracey Dalton-Policy Science

Rob Thompson-Planning & Law

WHOI-Marine Policy CenterDi Jin-Resource Economics

Other researchers, practitioners & stakeholders

What are we going to study? RI General Laws state that “the process of aquaculture should only be conducted within the waters of the state in a manner consistent with the best public interest”

This project will explore the public interest (or interests) associated with aquaculture in RI.

RESEARCH QUESTION #1

What are the levels of public support for aquaculture in Rhode Island?

Why do people support (or oppose) aquaculture?

RESEARCH QUESTION #2

At what point are the amounts or types of aquaculture in an area no longer acceptable to the public (or different parts of the public)?

“In the coastal salt ponds…5% of thetotal open water surface area” (CMP 300.11)

Current levels of aquaculture

Peak levels of aquaculture (early 20th century)

What are “acceptable levels” for an area?

How will we do the study?

1) Create a photo-questionnaire

Boat encounters in a Hawaiian marine park

Needham et al. 2011

Inglis et al. 1999

Snorkelers on the Great Barrier Reef

How will we do the study?

1) Create a photo-questionnaire

3) Analyze responses

2) Distribute to RI residents, waterfront owners, commercial shellfish harvesters,

aquaculture farmers

4) Coordinate with RI Sea Grant, RI CRMC, RI DEM, and other stakeholders

• Address public concerns early on in aquaculture siting & permitting

• Develop more targeted education programs

• Inform policy discussions related to social carrying capacity

What are some expected outcomes?

For more info, please contact:

Dr. Tracey Dalton (URI)[email protected]://web.uri.edu/

dalton/