The design of marine protected areas (MPAs) generates much discussion among marine scientists. Ecological studies have suggested that protecting 10 to 40% of regional ecosystems is needed to preserve diversity, while public preferences for MPA size have not been modeled. We conduct a choice experiment to estimate the existence value of protecting species and habitat diversity on the sea floor in areas that vary in size and allowable uses of the water column, and apply a latent class specification to accommodate taste parameter heterogeneity. Results identify three latent classes in the sample, and suggest that while protecting areas as ecological reserves is utility-increasing for most size/use combinations, smaller reserves with liberal use policies produce the largest increases. Our research suggests diminishing marginal utility for MPA sizes that are substantially smaller than ranges often cited, and the distinct latent classes underscore the need to question the assumption of homogeneous preferences when evaluating MPA policy.

Nonmarket valuation research has produced economic value estimates for a variety of threatened, endangered, and rare species around the world. Although over 40 value estimates exist, it is often difficult to compare values from different studies due to variations in study design, implementation, and modeling specifications. We conducted a stated preference choice experiment to estimate the value of recovering or downlisting multiple threatened and endangered marine species in the United States.

This survey assessed the potential price premiums that consumers are willing to pay for tuna that is harvested from stocks with known abundance, known by-catch rates, and the effect of tuna farming on preferences.

This research employs a stated preference choice experiment survey of households in California, Oregon, and Washington to quantify public preferences and simulate a suite of different marine protected areas (MPA) designs and their associated values. The research pertains specifically to MPAs in U.S. federal waters (waters 3 to 200 miles from shore) off the coasts of California, Washington, and Oregon West Coast, hereafter referred to as west coast federal waters.

Data used to assess the attitudes and preferences of U.S. saltwater anglers.

Data collected through a mail survey implemented with a sample of fisheries stakeholders obtained from Council mailing lists

Intercept data collected from anglers at fishing sites as an economic add-on to MRIP survey.

Revealed preference models provide insights into recreational angler behavior and the economic value of recreational fishing trips. This data is for the Southeast and is collected as needed, at irregular intervals. Typically collected as an economic add-on to the MRIP intercept survey and follow up phone or mail survey.

Intercept data collected from anglers at fishing sites as an economic add-on to the Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistical Survey (MRFSS) for the Southeast.

To collect data on an angler's last trip for revealed preference models and economic valuation purposes. Typically done as an add-on to the MRIP intercept survey and done as needed, periodically.

Intercept data collected from anglers at fishing sites as an economic add-on to the Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistical Survey (MRFSS) for the Southeast.

To collect data on an angler's last trip for revealed preference models and economic valuation purposes. Typically done as an add-on to the MRIP intercept survey and done as needed, periodically.