XML FeedsValuation of Marine Ecosystem Threshold Effects: Application of Choice Experiments to Value Algal Bloom in the Black Sea Coast of Bulgaria
By CostBenefit on Nov 4, 2009 | In Water, Land + Water, Europe, Academic Study/Journal Article, Beaches and Erosion, Ecosystem Valuation, Contamination Cost, Contingent Valuation, Surveys,.., Environmental Economics / Ecological Economics, Costs and Benefits, Invasive Species, Free Report at Time of Entry | Send feedback »
Link: http://opus.bath.ac.uk/15971/1/0709.pdf
Abstract: Algal bloom arises in part from anthropogenic emissions of nutrients into the coastal zone. Increased interest in water quality in coastal and marine areas stemming from the Water Framework Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive leads to important questions in terms of policies to address nutrient loadings. This paper presents the results from a choice experiment for the valuation of algal blooms in Varna Bay, Bulgaria. Varna Bay is an important tourist destination and a large port city on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria. Algal bloom events have been experienced frequently in this area. A choice experiment questionnaire was developed to be applied in Varna Bay. The key attributes used were visibility, duration of bloom and the amount of congestion on the beach. The amount of bloom is found to be important: respondents are willing to pay for a program that entails 1 week of algal bloom about 33 Leva (s.e. 8.09) when there is high visibility; 21 Leva (s.e. 5.75) with medium visibility and 9 Leva (s.e. 3.48) with low visibility. Respondents are willing to pay more for programs that offer shorter duration of algal bloom. The marginal price for one metre of extra space between the respondent and the nearest person is equal to 0.38 Leva.
by Tim Taylor and Alberto Longo
1. Department of Economics and International Development, University of Bath, UK
2. Queens University, Belfast, UK
Department of Economics, University of Bath www.bath.ac.uk/economics/research/workingpapers.html
Working Paper Number 7/09; 2009
