Stakeholder Perceptions of Offshore Aquaculture in the Gulf

This project aims to address the current challenges facing offshore aquaculture development in the United States, focusing on the Velella Epsilon demonstration project off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. Despite efforts to address public concerns through data collection and public engagement, permitting and deployment of the project have faced significant delays due to litigation and opposition from various groups. To address social resistance and promote equitable development, this project proposes stakeholder-engagement research in the Bradenton-Sarasota-Venice metropolitan area, aiming to better understand public perceptions of offshore aquaculture in the Gulf of Mexico and disseminate accurate information to decision-makers and the general public.