Carried out by: University of Vermont -Department of Community Development & Applied Economics -Gund Institute for Ecological Economics -Rubenstein School of Environment & Natural Resources Valuation of Pacific Salmon Ecosystems in Russia Far East

 Kol River Salmon Refuge  544,000 acres  3 hydrological sections – Kol, Kehta, and Kuntovo  One of the richest known assemblages of salmonid fish  Contains all six Pacific salmon species  Is a high biodiversity indicator for region  45% of diversity of birds on Kamchatka exist within spawning grounds in the Kol Refuge Study Site: Kol River Salmon Refuge

1. Understand the link between ecosystem services in the Kol River Salmon Refuge and human welfare 2. Determine the total value of market and non-market ecosystem services that flow from the Kol River Salmon Refuge 3. Forecast changes in ecosystem functions and values under various management scenarios. -Model scenario development Objectives of Valuation Study

GIS layers Valuation methods 1.Production function, 2. Travel Cost Method (TCM), 3. Flathead Lake Bio-station -science/education value, and 4.Benefits Transfer from existing database of known ecosystem service values Valuation Framework

Example of Ecosystem Services Valued FunctionsEcosystem processes and componentsExamples Regulation functions - Maintenance of essential ecological processes and life support systems 1Gas regulationRole of ecosystems in bio-geochemical cyclesMaintenance of good air quality 2Climate regulation Influence of land cover and biol. mediated processes on climate Maintenance favorable climate for human and salmon existence 3Disturbance prevention Influence of ecosystem structure on dampening environmental disturbances Storm protection (e.g. wetlands or mangroves) 4Water regulation Role of land in regulating runoff & river discharge Drainage, natural irrigation, and regulation of flows necessary for spawning 5Water supplyFiltering, retention and storage of fresh water Provision of water for consumptive use (e.g. drinking water) 6Nutrient regulation Role of biota in storage and re-cycling of nutrients Nutrient cycling salmon provide for Kamchatka brown bears and birds Habitat functions - Providing habitat (suitable living space) for wild plant and animal species 7Refugium functionsSuitable living space for wild plants and animalsSuitable habitat for Kamchatka brown bears 8Nursery functionSuitable reproduction habitatSuitable spawning area for Pacific salmon Production functions - Provision of natural resources 9Food Conversion of solar energy into edible plants and animals Pacific salmon as a food source 10Raw materials Conversion of solar energy into biomass for human construction and other uses Improve crop resistance to pathogens & pests Information functions - providing opportunities for cognitive development 11Aesthetic informationAttractive landscape featuresEnjoyment of scenic views on Kamchatka Peninsula 12RecreationVariety of landscapes with recreational usesTourism as a result of Pacific salmon fishing 13 Cultural and artistic information Variety in natural features with cultural and artistic value Use of Pacific salmon in books, painting, national symbols, advertising etc… 14Science and education Variety in nature with scientific and educational value Use of Kamchatka Biostations for scientific research

The Earth Surface Change Model – Estimates Changes in Values Based on Management Scenarios

Locations Biosphere Earth Surfaces Nutrient Cycling Hydrosphere Lithosphere Atmosphere Anthroposphere Cultures Biodiversity Ecosystem Services Water by Reservoir Geological Carbon Ores Earth Energy Gasses Exchanges Between Locations Social Capital Human Capital Economy Incorporating Kol Refuge Valuation as a Case Study in a Larger Model The Multi-scale Integrated Model of the Earth Systems (MIMES)

The Big Picture - MIMES Economics Economics Sectors Final demand Government Investments