Evaluating the potential for seaweed aquaculture in Nova Scotia
Abstract
Growing interest in the seaweed aquaculture industry has focused on the environmental, economic and social benefits it can offer. In Atlantic Canada, it is a small but emerging industry with the potential to grow and contribute to food security, climate change mitigation and coastal economic development. However, limited understanding of this potential has led to slow and fragmented development of the industry, without a clear direction of how to move the industry forward. This research uses Nova Scotia as a case study to understand the potential for the seaweed aquaculture industry by analyzing the perceptions of stakeholder groups (industry, academia, NGO/community and government). A SWOT analysis was completed to understand the main drivers and barriers impacting the industry and was used to develop a Q-methodology survey for identifying the important factors to consider in decision-making, management and planning of the industry. Results indicated that participants generally reflected one of two perspectives: the seaweed skeptic and the seaweed solution. Participant perceptions indicated areas where seaweed aquaculture can be a contributor in Nova Scotia, specifically in coastal community economic development and food sustainability. However, experiential knowledge gaps, uncertainties surrounding climate change impacts and lack of regulations appear to constrain individuals from fully supporting the industry. Further discourse is needed on the stewardship and priorities of how this industry should be developed moving forwards. These findings illustrate possible enabling conditions for the future of this industry in Canada.
Keywords: seaweed aquaculture; Nova Scotia; SWOT analysis; Q-methodology
Citation
Kosichek, H. 2022. Evaluating the potential for seaweed aquaculture in Nova Scotia [graduate project]. Halifax, NS: Dalhousie University.