Diverse perspectives on aquaculture development in Maine

As aquaculture production continues to increase worldwide, important questions are emerging about the motivations of growth and who stands to benefit. We use Q method to identify perspectives associated with marine aquaculture development in Maine, where aquaculture expansion in the United States has become a central focus. We used newspaper articles about aquaculture in Maine covering a 25-year period to inform the development of the Q study and participants included industry members, researchers, mangers, and other local experts. We identify four perspectives on aquaculture development based on the values individuals ascribe to the growth of the sector. We label these perspectives as: (1) aquaculture optimists, (2) aquaculture anchors, (3) aquaculture historians, and (4) aquaculture agnostics. Although the aquaculture sector is poised to expand in Maine, our findings suggest that there are material differences in the values associated with aquaculture growth, which may not be entirely compatible. By understanding the heterogeneity of perspectives surrounding aquaculture development in Maine, we aim to contribute to ongoing discussions about the future of aquaculture and encourage a more explicit articulation of the intended outcomes of aquaculture development and who it will serve.