Assessing community attitudes towards aquaculture and perceptions of equity : a case study from Seyðisfjörður, East Iceland

• Main Author: Kayla-Marie Kulczycki 1997-
• Other Authors: Háskólinn á Akureyri
• Format: Master Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: Háskólasetur Vestfjarða; Meistaraprófsritgerðir; Haf- og strandsvæðastjórnun; Sjókvíaeldi; Sjálfbærni; Viðhorf; University Centre of the Westfjords; Coastal and marine management; Aquaculture; Perceptions; Development; Iceland; Seyðisfjörður
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1946/45877

This thesis examines the relationship between perceptions of aquaculture development within inhabited fjords, issues of equity, and gender using a case study in Iceland. Moreover, community attitudes and perceptions of aquaculture were gathered to identify where improvements can be focused during the (pre)planning of aquaculture projects to increase equity. Aquaculture remains a growing industry that significantly contributes to global seafood production; however, it is also a source of conflict between various stakeholders. Here, attitudes and perceptions of residents from Seyðisfjörður, East Iceland were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods to explore the main concerns with a proposed open-net pen salmon farm and the aquaculture industry in Iceland. A survey (N=37) and six semi-structured interviews were conducted. The results indicate mixed, but generally negative attitudes, involving perceptions of risk to the local environment and how the proposed project does not align with the community identity or goals for sustainable development. Participants also discussed issues of transparency and communication between the community, the industry, and the government; and suggestions were offered to improve these processes in the future. The data is also analyzed using a gendered lens; however, there are no significant findings based on gender identity. By increasing and regulating efforts to understand community perspectives and concerns, the industry, coastal and marine planning institutions, and governments can engage with coastal communities in a meaningful way, working towards social acceptability through equitable collaboration. Furthermore, this can contribute to equity regarding decision making, leading to effective coastal and marine resource management and sustainable development. Þessi lokaritgerð skoðar tengslin milli viðhorfa sjávareldis þróunar, málefni jafnræðis, kynjarannsóknir og sjálfbærrar þróunar á Íslandi. Með því að nota tilviksrannsókn frá Austfjörðum, var samfélagsviðhorfum og ...