Opportunities and challenges for small-scale aquaculture: The stakeholders’ perspective in Los Lagos Region, Chile

Abstract Small-scale aquaculture (SSA) has been identified as a promising supplementary income-generating activity for coastal communities in southern Chile. This research investigates the opportunities and key challenges surrounding the expansion and adoption of SSA in the Los Lagos Region. Through a conceptual model of SSA adoption decisions combined with semi-structured qualitative interviews of key stakeholders across the Los Lagos region and Puerto Montt, the study evaluates: Spatial and territorial constraints: Availability of marine management areas and access rights to coastal resources.