Possible Development of Aquaculture in the Baltic Sea – Survey Analysis Results

Abstract

Aquaculture development is important for countries located near the sea, including Baltic Sea Region countries. The aim of the research is to evaluate the possible importance of several aspects for the development of the national economy based on an expert survey where was analysed expert ratings on which marine aquaculture field has the chance to develop in the next 10 years. Research methods include analysis of scientific publications, previously conducted research results, and statistical analysis of expert survey results. Experts were from the Baltic Sea Region counties. For data analysis there were used indicators of descriptive statistics; comparing the equality of arithmetic means for two independent groups using t–test and comparing the equality of arithmetic means for more than two groups by using analysis of variance – ANOVA, correlation analysis. Results of the research have indicated that among the analysed aspects, the most important are mussel farming and marine product processing. There were no statistically significant differences in expert ratings by their field of employment and by expert gender. There was a statistically strong correlation between expert ratings on what extent fisheries affect regional employment of the coast and mussel farming and expert ratings on what extent fisheries affect regional employment of the coast and the development of wind parks.