Date of Award

2026

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Marine Affairs

Department

Marine Affairs

First Advisor

Tracey Dalton

Abstract

Shellfish aquaculture is a rapidly growing industry in North America in response to the increased demand for sustainable protein. This trend holds true for Southern New England as well, where shellfish cultivation and consumption have long been embedded in the culture. However, there is a growing disconnect between shellfish growers and the communities in which they live, which has led many researchers to explore ways that growers can enhance relationships with their local communities through community engagement. The purpose of this study is to expand upon the existing literature to understand how shellfish growers in Rhode Island and Massachusetts perceive various community engagement strategies. Information was collected through a series of interviews that provided insight on how growers identify the communities around them, how they feel about different methods of engagement, and perceived barriers and benefits to participating in these activities. The participants in this study highlighted how barriers such as competing priorities, financial burden and legal constraints often caused them to be reluctant to participate in community engagement activities. However, they also recognized the beneficial nature of community engagement such as how it can help build relationships, promote acceptance in in the community and help to improve the reputation of the aquaculture industry. These findings have the potential to serve as a basis for regulatory agencies and boundary organizations to utilize this information and alleviate the aforementioned barriers, so that shellfish growers can enjoy the associated benefits. By identifying pathways for communities to engage with and understand aquaculture, findings from this study and others like it can foster a positive relationship between growers and the communities in which they operate.

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