The Media's Portrayal of Offshore Aquaculture in the Pacific and How it Affects the Public Perception of the Aquaculture Industry
The Media's Portrayal of Offshore Aquaculture in the Pacific and How it Affects the Public Perception of the Aquaculture Industry
Date
2018
Authors
Papacek, Katherine
Contributor
Advisor
Leong, Kirsten
Winter, Jenifer
Winter, Jenifer
Department
Oceanography
Global Environmental Science
Global Environmental Science
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Abstract
As the aquaculture industry continues to develop, the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is proposing to establish a Federal Aquaculture
Permit Program in Federal waters of the Pacific Islands Region (PIR) based on
recommendations from the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council). This
proposed program may have a variety of implications for the states and U.S. territories in the
region, which includes the islands of Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, and the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. However, for many individuals living in
this region, it is still unclear whether the potential benefits of aquaculture production
outweigh the environmental and socio-economic risks. To gain insight on the public’s
perception of the aquaculture industry and improve future communications, this study
conducted a content analysis of regional newspaper articles pertaining to offshore finfish
aquaculture in the Pacific Ocean from 2000-2017. This outlet of communication was chosen
because media coverage is often an important source of information for consumers and the
general public. Initial public scoping comments on preliminary alternatives of NOAA’s Draft
Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for a Proposed Pacific islands Region
Aquaculture Management Program were also evaluated. Articles were coded for themes
related to topics discussed (e.g., risks and benefits of offshore aquaculture), tone (e.g.,
positive, negative), and sources referenced. Key findings include an evaluation of the
frequency of themes portrayed throughout the media as well as an in-depth analysis of public
or stakeholder opinion of offshore aquaculture. The overall intent of this research and the
subsequent recommendations is to provide insights into public perceptions of the aquaculture
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industry that may contribute to strengthening policy decisions for finfish aquaculture
throughout the Western Pacific.
Description
Keywords
communities,
public relations,
aquaculture
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67 pages
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