INTRODUCTION
As global seafood demand continues to increase, aquaculture is playing an increasingly vital role in food security. Despite its potential, the sector’s expansion often encounters resistance, particularly in coastal regions where marine space is contested (Hynes et al., 2018). This study examines public attitudes toward aquaculture in Connemara, Ireland, with a focus on the relationship between proximity to aquaculture operations and public perception of their environmental and socioeconomic impacts. Specifically, it explores the "distance decay" effect, offering insights to support evidence-based Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). Understanding the drivers of social acceptance is essential as Ireland aims to grow its blue economy in line with EU directives, while maintaining environmental integrity and community support.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Face-to-face surveys were conducted across Connemara, County Galway, between June and July 2019. A total of 245 fully completed questionnaires were collected, yielding a response rate of 67%. Participants aged 18 and older were interviewed in their homes, with a focus on the Galway Gaeltacht and adjacent areas.
The survey captured demographic data alongside respondents’ awareness of aquaculture, environmental concerns, and preferences for future marine developments. Perceptions of threats to the marine environment and support for various marine activities were assessed using Likert-scale questions. Preferences for activity intensity were measured on a scale from 0 (no activity) to 5 (very high intensity).
Data were compared with findings from previous national surveys and a case study in Mulroy Bay, County Donegal. A logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of perceiving aquaculture as an environmental threat, including age, gender, education, proximity to aquaculture sites, and sub-regional location within Connemara.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The findings reveal strong local support for aquaculture in Connemara, with 73.7% of respondents supporting medium to high levels of activity in their local bay. Only 11% identified aquaculture as a significant environmental threat—considerably lower than in Mulroy Bay (17%) and the national average (40%). These results suggest that familiarity with aquaculture may mitigate negative perceptions.
Age emerged as a key demographic predictor: respondents under 35 were significantly more likely to express environmental concerns (p < 0.05), whereas those over 55 showed the highest levels of support for aquaculture expansion. Education level also influenced attitudes—university-educated individuals were more environmentally cautious than those with only secondary education (odds ratio = 1.72, p < 0.05).
Economic priorities were prominent among respondents, with 54% identifying employment as their top concern, compared to 41% prioritising environmental protection. This diverges from national patterns, where environmental concerns typically dominate. Notably, 84% agreed that "fish farming creates opportunities for local employment."
Significant regional differences emerged within Connemara. Support for aquaculture was highest in Carna (89%), followed by Cashel (76%) and Carraroe (64%). Regression results indicated that Carna was the only region where aquaculture was not perceived as an environmental threat (coefficient = -2.78, p < 0.05), likely reflecting the area’s long-standing engagement with the sector. In contrast, respondents in Spidéal, Carraroe, and Clifden expressed stronger support for marine protected areas (coefficients = 35.55, 20.02, and 45.85, respectively; p < 0.05).
Among specific environmental concerns, waste accumulation and sea lice were cited most frequently (42% each), while escaped farmed fish (18%) and feed sourcing (14%) were considered less significant. These concerns differed from national priorities, where the use of wild fish in feed was more prominent (30%).
Local ownership was strongly favoured: 85% of Connemara respondents preferred locally owned fish farms, compared to 75% in Mulroy Bay and 56% nationally. Similarly, 78% believed coastal planning should be led by local authorities, with only 15% favouring national control.
Support for complementary marine activities was also high: 92% supported marine renewable energy, 88% supported seaweed harvesting, and 77% supported sea fisheries. Seabed mining, however, faced strong opposition (71%), particularly in areas with recent mining license proposals. These findings suggest opportunities for integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) and broader marine planning strategies.
CONCLUSION
This study highlights how public attitudes toward aquaculture are shaped by proximity and experience. Communities with long-term exposure to fish farming—such as Carna—exhibit more positive perceptions, supporting the existence of a "distance decay" effect. Conversely, communities more removed from aquaculture operations express greater environmental concern.
Tailoring aquaculture development strategies to specific regional and demographic contexts is essential. The influence of age, education, and economic priorities underscores the need for targeted stakeholder engagement and communication strategies.
The strong emphasis on employment benefits reflects the socioeconomic realities of rural coastal communities. Policies that promote local ownership and emphasise local job creation are likely to enhance public acceptance. Broad support for multiple marine activities also points to the potential for integrated marine spatial planning approaches.
To improve MSP implementation, policymakers should: