This dissertation presents findings from a study to assess compliance motivations within the context of aquaculture in two states, Virginia and Florida. This analysis is based upon scholarship relating to policy design, regulatory compliance, and the institutional analysis and development (IAD) framework. Data for this study were collected in four stages toward a comparative case study analysis of compliance motivations in the two study states: (1) a preliminary study involving interviews (n=10) and a questionnaire of members of the National Association of State Aquaculture Coordinators (n=32; response rate = 57%); (2) a comprehensive coding of all state level regulations governing aquaculture in each study state; (3) formal semi-structured interviews with 30 members of the aquaculture communities of Virginia and Florida; and (4) a questionnaire of aquaculture producers in Florida (n=78; response rate = 19%). Primary findings from this study indicate that individuals are more likely to comply with regulations (1) when regulatory enforcement personnel are perceived as being knowledgeable; (2) when farmers have a desire to maintain a good reputation with other members of the industry; (3) when farmers have a strong sense of guilt associated with not complying with regulatory directives; and (4) that the expression of compliance motivations, such as reputational concerns and feelings of guilt, is contingent upon a variety of factors, including the desire to protect the natural environment, prevent consumers from becoming ill as a result of eating a contaminated product, and prevent conflict with neighbors and other resource users.