Oceans and Economic Value: Challenges and Research Priorities Consortium for Ocean Leadership 25 October 2012 Hauke Kite-Powell, Marine Policy Center, WHOI
Topics Examples of where we are close: – IOOS, PORTS – Value added by ocean-related activities Examples of where we are not: – Ocean research infrastructure – Asset values of marine resources Priorities for research
Observing Systems: NERACOOS Global user group populationGlobal annual visits casualoccasionalintensive Rec boating3,7802,2641,510177,000 Shore recreation1, ,000 Maritime560--1,310131,000 Commercial fishing ,900193,000 Education ,000 Sci/Eng/Mgr ,000 Military ,000 Gen public190,0001, ,000
Observing Systems: NERACOOS Global annual visits Approx. benefit per decision ($) Economic benefit generated ($) Rec boating177,0001 Shore recreation101,0001 Maritime131,000101,313,000 Commercial fishing193,000101,932,000 Education5,0001 Sci/Eng/Mgr15, ,000 Military25, ,500,000 Gen public269, Total 6,200,000
Observing Systems: PORTS Tampa Bay Houston/ Galveston New York/ New Jersey Columbia River top 50 US ports [estimate] Maritime safety1.1 – Maritime efficiency Spill response1.1 – 1.82 – 31 – 20.1 – Recreational boating/fishing General weather forecasts Extreme weather/flooding Total >100 Estimated annual benefits, $ million
Value Added: Ocean Industries National Ocean Economics Project,
Asset Values of Ocean Resources Marine minerals & fish maybe, but: Clean water? Wetlands? Natural coastal protection? Human health effects of seafood?
Value of Ocean Research Investments
Research Priorities Goal: better estimates of ocean economic values Focus on better understanding assets values – Living & non-living resources – Estimates of present values – Models of how values change with environmental quality, population, climate change effects, …