Towards understanding the benefits of shellfish aquaculture for U.S. coastal communities: Demographics, spatial concentration, and localness of leaseholders

Shellfish aquaculture in the U.S. is increasingly promoted as a climate-resilient, low-impact, and economically beneficial form of protein production that supports local and sustainable food systems. Yet, the development of marine resources can result in the marginalization of women and underrepresented groups, consolidation of benefits under a few large operations, and diversion of profits away from local people. Few studies have evaluated the shellfish aquaculture industry through a community-benefit lens or explored methods for doing so. To address this gap, we ask 1) what data do states collect and make available regarding shellfish aquaculture leaseholder demographics, spatial concentration, and localness? 2) What statutes and regulations shape lease distribution with regard to demographics, spatial concentration, and localness? 3) What is the demographic, spatial concentration, and localness breakdown of leaseholders in coastal states? Data for this study were obtained from public records and interviews with stakeholders. We find that demographic data collection is rare and that no states publish demographic data. North Carolina data show < 5% participation among non-White farmers, and data from eight states indicate 7–27% participation by women. Analyses of lease distribution revealed substantial variation in spatial concentration among states and suggest that acreage limit policies may influence the degree of concentration of lease-holdings. Four states analyzed for the localness of leaseholders showed that > 92% of leaseholder addresses were from in-state coastal counties. These findings should encourage state managers to collect and publish leaseholder data and to implement policies that ensure the growing shellfish aquaculture industry benefits local communities.