Nonmarket Evaluation

Fisheries economic data, which is largely derived from goods and services bought and sold in the market, are not available for all important aspects of a fishery. Such is the case of the intrinsic and aesthetic value of marine fisheries habitat. Non-market valuation techniques are therefore used to estimate the value of marine ecosystems through eliciting a stakeholder's willingness to pay for or accept changes to the environmental quality of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), for example. The GSMFC and NOAA will use non-market valuation methods to better understand the public's perception of the value of coastal and marine ecosystems. Estimates of the value of coastal and marine ecosystems throughout the GOM will be taken into account when the costs and benefits of marine fisheries polices are evaluated.

Evaluate intrinsic factors on the value of a fishery

The GOM fisheries economic data program is currently within its initial planning and development phase. As the surveys and studies described above are completed and data and model results become available, detailed reports will be presented through various distribution methods. If you need additional information concerning this program, please contact Alexander L. Miller at the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission office at (228) 875-5912