Mainebiz, Phys.org highlight UMaine study of aquaculture support

Mainebiz and Phys.org shared a University of Maine news release highlighting a study that characterizes the range of public opinion regarding the growing aquaculture industry in Maine. The study, “Diverse Perspectives on Aquaculture Development in Maine,” was conducted by UMaine marine sciences faculty Joshua Stoll and Heather Leslie and master’s student Melissa Britsch. The researchers identified four distinct population groups based on their opinions, including aquaculture optimists, anchors, historians and agnostics. In general, all groups expressed support for the industry while the anchors, historians and agnostics expressed concerns about the environmental and socioeconomic impacts, and the tradeoffs between traditional fisheries and use of natural resources.