Does eco-certification change public opinion of salmon aquaculture in Canada? A comparison of communities with and without salmon farms

Aquaculture eco-certification is associated with some producer-level benefits including price premiums and market access; however, reputational benefits from eco-certification are unclear. A public survey was used to understand the effect of eco-certification on opinion of salmon farming in two Canadian provinces (British Columbia and Nova Scotia) and differences between communities where farms are located (communities of place) and communities geographically distant from farms (communities of interest). Eco-certification had an overall positive effect on opinion, especially amongst people with a negative opinion of salmon farming who value far-reaching social outcomes of farming. Communities of interest had a more negative opinion of salmon farming and eco-certified salmon farming and were more concerned about local environmental impacts than communities of place while communities of place valued economic outcomes more than communities of interest. The role of eco-certification in public acceptance of aquaculture is limited by a lack of trust in eco-certification and failure to address local issues including conflict amongst marine users.