Fish out of water: consumer perceptions of aquaculture and food security in Eleuthera, The Bahamas

This study examines consumer perceptions of aquaculture products in Eleuthera, The Bahamas, within the broader context of food security and seafood import dependence in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). A mixed-method community survey ( n = 63) combining quantitative responses and coded qualitative analysis was conducted across South, Central, and North Eleuthera. Results revealed strong cultural preference for wild-caught marine species and limited familiarity with freshwater aquaculture species such as tilapia. While respondents expressed skepticism related to taste, quality, and freshwater origin, overall acceptance of aquaculture products was relatively high, with the majority demonstrating conditional willingness to purchase farmed products when quality, transparency, and price were favorable. Environmental sustainability and food security were frequently identified as perceived benefits. Statistical analysis indicated a weak, non-significant relationship between knowledge of aquaculture and acceptance, suggesting that awareness alone does not strongly influence consumer attitudes. Instead, findings align with Caribbean and global literature indicating that consumer trust, sensory quality, and cultural familiarity are primary determinants of aquaculture adoption. The study highlights the importance of social license to operate in shaping aquaculture development in The Bahamas, emphasizing the need for culturally aligned species selection, transparent production systems, and community engagement to support sustainable marine food systems in island contexts.