In this chapter we consider the social dimensions of multi-use offshore aquaculture, and the complexities involved in managing the ecological, societal and
economic aspects of offshore aquaculture in an integrated and systematic manner.
We suggest a first typology of socio-economic dimensions for aquaculture and
outline their implications for offshore aquaculture development in multi-use contexts. The chapter closes with a discussion on the current level of knowledge on the
socio-economic dimensions of multi-use offshore aquaculture, and point to further
research needs.
8.2 Socio-economic Dimensions of Aquaculture—A First
Typology
Over the past decades, scientists and policymakers have become increasingly aware
of the complex and manifold linkages between ecological and human systems.
Social-ecological systems are understood to be complex adaptive systems where
social and biophysical agents are interacting at multiple temporal and spatial scales
(Janssen and Ostrom 2006). This has stimulated researchers across multiple disciplines to look for new ways of understanding and responding to changes and
drivers in both systems and their interactions (Zurek and Henrichs 2007). In this
contextual setting, Krause et al. (2015) showed that most socio-economic analysis
to date deal mainly with the effects of salmon or shrimp farming, and to a lesser
extent with e.g. Pangasius and Tilapia, as well as filter feeders (such as Crassostrea
gigas) and seaweeds (such as Kappaphycus alvarezii and K. striatum as well as
Eucheuma denticulatum) (see Buanes et al. 2004; Barton and Fløysand 2010;
Fröcklin et al. 2012; Stonich and Bailey 2000; Joyce and Satterfield 2010; Sievanen
et al. 2005; Buchholz et al. 2012).
In order to promote the sustainable co-existence of uses and, where applicable,
the appropriate apportionment of relevant uses in the offshore realm, a framework
should be put in place that consists at least of the establishment and implementation
by Member States of maritime spatial planning, resulting in plans. Such a planning
process should take into account land-sea interactions and promote cooperation
among Member States. Its main purpose is to promote sustainable development and
to identify and encourage multi-purpose uses, in accordance with the relevant
national policies and legislation (EU 2014).
Thus, the management of marine offshore areas is complex and involves different levels of authorities, economic operators and other stakeholders. However,
questions pertaining to the inter-relationships between community impacts, right of
access, ownership, taxation, liabilities for the negative repercussions from the
environmental effects on society, and ethical issues, to name but a few, have
remained largely untackled in a comprehensive, integrated manner (Krause et al.
2015). As a result, the socio-economic consequences of aquaculture operations are
often poorly understood and repercussions such as poaching not fully anticipated
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G. Krause and E. Mikkelsen
economic aspects of offshore aquaculture in an integrated and systematic manner.
We suggest a first typology of socio-economic dimensions for aquaculture and
outline their implications for offshore aquaculture development in multi-use contexts. The chapter closes with a discussion on the current level of knowledge on the
socio-economic dimensions of multi-use offshore aquaculture, and point to further
research needs.
8.2 Socio-economic Dimensions of Aquaculture—A First
Typology
Over the past decades, scientists and policymakers have become increasingly aware
of the complex and manifold linkages between ecological and human systems.
Social-ecological systems are understood to be complex adaptive systems where
social and biophysical agents are interacting at multiple temporal and spatial scales
(Janssen and Ostrom 2006). This has stimulated researchers across multiple disciplines to look for new ways of understanding and responding to changes and
drivers in both systems and their interactions (Zurek and Henrichs 2007). In this
contextual setting, Krause et al. (2015) showed that most socio-economic analysis
to date deal mainly with the effects of salmon or shrimp farming, and to a lesser
extent with e.g. Pangasius and Tilapia, as well as filter feeders (such as Crassostrea
gigas) and seaweeds (such as Kappaphycus alvarezii and K. striatum as well as
Eucheuma denticulatum) (see Buanes et al. 2004; Barton and Fløysand 2010;
Fröcklin et al. 2012; Stonich and Bailey 2000; Joyce and Satterfield 2010; Sievanen
et al. 2005; Buchholz et al. 2012).
In order to promote the sustainable co-existence of uses and, where applicable,
the appropriate apportionment of relevant uses in the offshore realm, a framework
should be put in place that consists at least of the establishment and implementation
by Member States of maritime spatial planning, resulting in plans. Such a planning
process should take into account land-sea interactions and promote cooperation
among Member States. Its main purpose is to promote sustainable development and
to identify and encourage multi-purpose uses, in accordance with the relevant
national policies and legislation (EU 2014).
Thus, the management of marine offshore areas is complex and involves different levels of authorities, economic operators and other stakeholders. However,
questions pertaining to the inter-relationships between community impacts, right of
access, ownership, taxation, liabilities for the negative repercussions from the
environmental effects on society, and ethical issues, to name but a few, have
remained largely untackled in a comprehensive, integrated manner (Krause et al.
2015). As a result, the socio-economic consequences of aquaculture operations are
often poorly understood and repercussions such as poaching not fully anticipated
166
G. Krause and E. Mikkelsen