Who owns the ocean? A qualitative study of saltwater recreational fishers and open ocean aquaculture in New Hampshire

During the last decade, the decline of wild fish stocks has put pressure on fish farming to meet the growing demand for seafood around the world. Aquaculture development often requires placing restrictions on public access to ocean waters where farming operations are constructed. This paper examines the attitudes of saltwater recreational fishers reward open ocean aquaculture using data collected from sixteen in-depth, semi-structured interviews. We argue that the fishers' perceptions of crowding and spatial conflict, methods of adapting to the pressures put on common resources, and attitudes toward existing users shape their opinions about aquaculture development and the management of ocean resources and spaces.