Assessing 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. Outside of Asia, 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, Canada 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 drivers and barriers impacting the industry and was used to develop a Q-methodology survey for identifying 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 solutionist. 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 discussion is needed on the stewardship of and priorities for how this industry should be developed moving forward. These findings illustrate possible enabling conditions for the future of this industry in Canada.

Keywords

• Seaweed aquaculture
• Nova Scotia
• SWOT analysis
• Q-methodology
• Sustainability