Leaving the niche: Recommendations for mainstreaming Low Trophic Aquaculture in countries around the Atlantic basin

Low Trophic Aquaculture (LTA) is the farming of aquatic organisms such as primary producers (e.g., seaweeds) and primary consumers (e.g. bivalves). Despite recognition as a key pathway to the provision of sustainable food from the oceans, many forms of LTA around the Atlantic basin remain in the niche stage of socio-technical evolution. With governance regarded as a limiting factor to LTA development, aquaculture experts and stakeholders were surveyed to find, and interviewed to document, examples of implemented good practice in rules, regulations and processes that were seen as supportive of the sustainable development of LTA and related Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture. A theoretical framework on socio-technical change under polycentric governance informed an analysis of the good practices, according to five core themes: regulation and legislation; resources and infrastructure; human and social capital; financial instruments and economic support; and, the overarching socio-economic environment. Recommendations for action were constructed both inductively (from interview evidence) and deductively (from the theory), and were organised in relation to the three spheres of governance: Government should: provide stable policy and legal frameworks within which developers can operate with commercial confidence; ensure public trust in LTA products; support LTA start-ups; ensure availability of researchers and public officials with LTA relevant skills and knowledge. Market organisations should: allow LTA to better access financial capital and insurance; develop consultancy services; inform the public about LTA. Civil Society organisations, including universities, producer organisations and NGOs, should: in some cases, lead development of LTA with arrangements for local control; help certify appropriate LTA as sustainable, healthy and socially equitable.