A Potential Conflict between Economic and Environmental Sustainability: A Case Study
Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) conforms more to the natural ecosystem than monoculture in improving the quality of the water column and of the sea bed. It is also more acceptable to the general public. With aquaculture poised to become the principal source of global seafood, any technique which reduces damage to the environment, and has social license, is to be welcomed. One concern about IMTA is its economic viability. This paper assesses whether consumers would be willing to pay a price premium for IMTA products. The evidence from a random sample of consumers in New Brunswick, Canada, is positive.