Why not? Decrypting social attitudes toward European aquaculture: An updated policy perspective for an old problem

Abstract

In some food production systems, sustainability and acceptability are considered umbrella concepts that can be assessed through a combination of criteria and indicators. After a remarkable and somewhat chaotic development in the early '90s, European aquaculture has been evolving in both scientific and policy domains to improve, and to prove, its sustainability. The updated review of the literature and policy framework presented in this contribution highlights gaps in European studies, addressing mostly concerns over the environmental impacts and food safety and less in terms of economic impacts on other coastal activities or the effects on social values and local traditions. The analysis of the legislative framework demonstrates that the existing legislation adopted at different levels addresses most of the criteria of social acceptability through binding rules and supporting guidelines. Nonetheless, some elements of social concerns, such as the impact of escapes or the degradation of the landscape, remain unaddressed. A number of actions are proposed that should be implemented by all the actors involved in aquaculture management to improve social attitudes and thus, the acceptance by the different segments of the society.

Who Is in and Who Is out in Ocean Economies Development?

“…The rapid increase in aquaculture production in recent decades has contributed to food security worldwide but it has also resulted in increasing conflict with local groups and traditional coastal users [31]. For instance, the exclusion of relevant stakeholders and their concerns over aquaculture project development has been associated with social inequity and opposition [32].…”

Aquaculture in Zambia: The Current Status, Challenges, Opportunities and Adaptable Lessons Learnt from China

“…Political will and political agenda play a major role in aquaculture policy and regulation [50]. China has long set the "aquaculture-prioritized" principle for its fishery development, along with a series of goal-oriented policies and strategies to stimulate, guide, and support the sector's fast development.…”

Planning and licensing for marine aquaculture

“…Similarly, industry press has reported calls for reform from finfish and shellfish producers, 16,17 and commitments from politicians and governments for further reviews and restructuring 18,19 . Political will and political agenda play a major part in aquaculture policy and regulation 20 . Regulatory reviews often take place in complicated political landscapes, especially when there are changes in governing political party or new policy directions.…”

“…18 , 19 Political will and political agenda play a major part in aquaculture policy and regulation. 20 Regulatory reviews often take place in complicated political landscapes, especially when there are changes in governing political party or new policy directions. In the case of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK), reviews of policy and regulation are affected by ‘Brexit’, and many of the consequences of leaving the European Union (EU) are still unclear and may take several years to resolve.…”