W@TC - Diverse values, social conflict, and policy preferences in Maine aquaculture

Robin Fail is a doctoral student at the Duke University Marine Lab. Her research is guided by an interest in how social systems and marine ecosystems interact, the governance structures used to moderate those interactions, and the processes for integrating diverse values, knowledge systems, and priorities into policymaking. Her dissertation research focuses on politics and policies related to aquaculture development and the equity implications of policy tradeoffs in this sector.

In this talk, Robin Fail will share findings from her dissertation research about value conflict and policy making related to aquaculture growth. Aquaculture-or the farming of fish, shellfish, and algae-is a growing sector in U.S. coastal waters and is widely considered a solution for meeting the world's growing demand for seafood and for sustaining maritime economies. However, aquaculture growth is contentious and as the footprint of ocean space leased to farming grows, so too does social conflict. Using a case study of aquaculture development in Maine, Fail will share findings from her research, which investigated how divergent values and problem definitions contribute to social conflict, the policy preferences people hold for the future of aquaculture development, and the equity implications of the values that are operationalized by the state government in aquaculture policy making.

This event will be hybrid. Registration is required to join via Zoom. Light refreshments will be provided.