Factors Affecting U.S. Aquaculturists' Intended Actions to Expand Production Capacity Abroad

摘要

This paper examines the relationship between U.S. aquaculturists‟ intended actions to expand production capacity abroad and the factors influencing their choices. These factors include aquaculturists‟ perceptions of market conditions; regulatory climate; property rights; government leadership; and the comparative advantages of U.S. aquaculture, as well as the demographic characteristics of aquaculturists and their farms. Primary data were collected via an original online survey. Both multinomial probit and probit models identify the factors affecting aquaculturists‟ intended actions to expand abroad. The results indicate that large-scale, non-shellfish (e.g., finfish, salmon, or shrimp), less-educated, marine aquaculturists with high expectations about seafood demand during the next three years; who think U.S. permit and environmental regulations are strict; that aquaculture leases should be transferable; and that the U.S.A. has comparative advantages in skilled labor availability and access to the domestic markets, are more likely to expand their operations abroad. The results provide guidance for U.S. policy makers to help retain aquaculture entrepreneurs and investors domestically.