The potential of the UK inshore fleet to switch or integrate aquaculture to form a more holistic seafood production system
Abstract The potential for the UK inshore fleet to either switch from wild capture fisheries to aquaculture or integrate it within its business model as a livelihood option was investigated. The aim was to assess the opportunities, barriers and potential for developing a more holistic seafood production system and to generate information for future policies and programs. A review of the current situation of the inshore fleet reveals recent economic hardships, decreasing employment opportunities, displacement and reduction in size of fishing grounds as a result of management measures including the creation of marine protected areas (MPAs). A subsequent literature review of fishers either switching from wild capture fisheries to aquaculture or integrating it into their business model indicates that there is a complex mixture of barriers including regulatory, social and economic factors that hinder fishers’ uptake of aquaculture. However, assessment of current integration examples of aquaculture and wild-capture sectors within the UK revealed many instances where fishers have successfully added aquaculture to their business portfolio. Results show that to meet increased demand, a supportive policy environment needs to be created along with clarification and simplification of the processes for acquiring space including clear guidelines of which types of aquaculture can be practised where, and clarification of the rules for aquaculture in and around MPAs. Areas of further work are suggested including assessment of cultural issues surrounding switching or integration and the provision of funding to test potential approaches. It is concluded that government regulatory policies along with social acceptance will play a crucial role in creating a more holistic seafood production system and for marine aquaculture to fulfil its potential via integration with capture fisheries.