Aquaculture is widely considered a key contributor to global food security and blue economic growth. Nevertheless, in Europe, the sector has remained stagnant despite high levels of policy support. A recent collective work by ICES Working Group on Social and Economic Dimensions of Aquaculture (WGSEDA) emphasises the critical role of social acceptability in understanding this stagnation.
While political attention has largely focused on environmental protection and economic performance, the social complexity of coastal and marine areas has often been insufficiently considered. This work highlights that policy action in European aquaculture tends to prioritise technological innovation and environmental regulation, neglecting critical social issues such as fairness in the distribution of benefits, the inclusion of local stakeholders in decision-making, and the need to build trust between communities and industry.
Drawing from a range of national case studies, the authors argue that these social dimensions have become major obstacles to the sector’s expansion. The paper calls for a rethinking of aquaculture governance in a more inclusive way, reinforcing transparency and adapting to local contexts. It also recognises the role of informal governance structures, cultural values, and genuine public participation in fostering sustainable marine development.
The study stresses that social acceptability is not a static condition but a dynamic, context-sensitive process shaped by local identities, values, and the collective management of marine resources. Attempts to improve public perception through communication alone fall short when deeper issues of exclusion, inequality, or conflicts of interest between users remain unaddressed. According to the authors, effective strategic planning requires more than environmental compliance; it also entails genuine engagement with the social dynamics that shape coastal and marine areas. Through this holistic approach, aquaculture policies can gain the legitimacy and community support required for sustainable and equitable growth.
Finally, the authors provide a series of recommendations to formulate practical principles and actions to better address the challenges of social acceptability in aquaculture.
