Shellfish conflict in Baynes Sound: a strategic perspective

Area of Science:

• Environmental conflict resolution
• Aquaculture management
• Socio-economic impact assessment

Background:

• Shellfish aquaculture industry (SAI) in Baynes Sound, BC, has operated since the early 1900s.
• Industry expansion requests conflict with resident and stakeholder concerns regarding environmental and social impacts.
• An interagency Action Plan was initiated in 2001 to address these issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically analyze the conflict over shellfish aquaculture development in Baynes Sound.
• To apply a new methodology using the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution (GMCR II) decision support system.
• To provide insights for decision-makers to achieve shellfish industry sustainability.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution (GMCR II) decision support system.
• Applied a new methodology to systematically analyze the conflict.
• Examined the conflict within a social, economic, and environmental framework.

Main Results:

• The study systematically analyzed the complex conflict surrounding shellfish aquaculture.
• Valuable insights were generated to guide decision-making processes.
• The analysis provided a framework for addressing competing resource uses.

Conclusions:

• The application of GMCR II offers a strategic approach to resolving conflicts in resource management.
• Decision-makers can utilize these insights to foster the sustainability of the shellfish industry.
• Balancing economic development with environmental and social considerations is crucial for Baynes Sound.