A contingent valuation of the biomitigation benefits of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture in Canada

Consumers’ Acceptability of Using Prominent New Technologies in Atlantic Salmon Farming

“…As one solution, Chopin (2013) suggested that the aquaculture industry should use the Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) technique consisting of a method in which "one species always finds a feeding niche in the waste generated by another species" [19,20]. Martinez-Espineira et al (2016, p.2) stated that the purposes of using the IMTA technique are three-fold: "environmental sustainability, economic profitability and stability, and social acceptability" [6]. The first task is implemented through an ecologically balanced systems designed primarily for a sustainable environment.…”

“…In a recent study conducted by Martinez-Espineira et al (2016), the non-used benefits of adopting the IMTA techniques in producing Atlantic salmon was estimated using both Contingent Valuation (CV) and Contingent Behavior (CB) methods. The targeted participants in the survey were those who did not consume farmraised salmon within a one year prior to the date of the survey [6]. The participants in the survey were asked about a new proposed policy that sought their support on imposing an additional tax rate on their annual income taxes levied to support the cost of implementing the IMTA techniques used by 50 per cent of the current number of Atlantic salmon growers.…”

“…On the other hands, Martinez-Espineira et al (2016) stated that the increase in the cost of production per unit may be offset by several factors including (i) the increase in the product price as a result of establishing a credence attribute, (ii) improvement in the ratio of output/input or the output productivity (e.g., shellfish, algae, etc.) and (iii) ongoing increase in the consumers' demand for innovative products [6]. The only shortcoming of this policy is that if the output markets are not regulated, "any nonuse values generated by IMTA would be ignored" (Martinez-Espineira et al 2016, p.2) [6].…”

“…and (iii) ongoing increase in the consumers' demand for innovative products [6]. The only shortcoming of this policy is that if the output markets are not regulated, "any nonuse values generated by IMTA would be ignored" (Martinez-Espineira et al 2016, p.2) [6]. The findings of the researchers' study showed that the targeted participants in the survey could gain about CAD 43 million per year within the next five years.…”

“…For instance, Cole et al (2009) and Naylor and Burke (2005) listed some of these negative effects, such as mismanagement in discharging wastes; gradual increase in the amount of consolidated nitrogen, phosphorus and other nutrients, chemicals and pathogens. In addition, wild stocks and natural ecosystems might be affected by the escape of cultured organisms [4][5][6].…”