Estimating the Irish public's willingness to pay for more sustainable salmon produced by integrated multi-trophic aquaculture. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van Osch, Suzanne; Hynes, Stephen; O'Higgins, Tim; Hanley, Nick; Campbell, Danny; Freeman, Shirra
• Is Part Of: Marine policy. Volume 84(2017)
• Page Start: 220
• Page End: 227
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: Sustainable aquaculture -- Choice experiments -- Ecolabels -- IMTA -- Willingness to pay; Marine resources -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Fisheries -- Periodicals; Ressources marines -- Aspect économique -- Périodiques; Pêches -- Périodiques; Fisheries; Marine resources -- Economic aspects; Periodicals; 333.916405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2017.07.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-597X

Abstract

Abstract: Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) has been put forward as a potential sustainable alternative to single fin fish species aquaculture. In IMTA, several species are combined in the production process. Integrating species has a conceivable dual advantage; the environmental impact can be lowered through nutrient cycling and from an economic perspective there is potential for increased efficiency, product diversification and a higher willingness to pay for more environmentally friendly produced salmon. This paper presents the results from a choice experiment which examines whether the Irish public is willing to pay a premium for "sustainably produced" farmed salmon from an IMTA process. Uniquely, an ecolabel was used in the design, based on familiar energy rating labels, to communicate the environmental pressure of fish farming to respondents. The experiment demonstrates that the Irish public has a willingness to pay a price premium for sustainability in salmon farming and for locally produced salmon.