The benefits of healthy coastal habitats and their relationship to fisheries

Background/Question/Methods

Coastal, marine, and riverine habitats are among some of the most biologically rich and economically valuable areas on Earth.  Much of this economic activity including commercial fishing accounts for billions of dollars in landed value annually is dependent on healthy, productive coastal ecosystems.  The benefits to society are therefore directly linked to the ecosystem health and quality of these coastal habitats.  The expectation being healthy coastal habitats are likely to support a variety of economic activities such as sales and services of recreational and commercial fishing and coastal tourism.  These activities in turn provide broader gains to society. Coastal habitat conservation typically involves protection as well as restoration activities.  Habitat restoration can produce short term and long term economic benefits to benefit coastal fisheries.  This paper describes NOAA’s efforts in coastal habitat restoration for the primary purpose of improving coastal fisheries.

Results/Conclusions

We examine a few case studies that incorporate biophysical improvements such as habitat acres restored and stream miles opened along with human dimensions metrics therefore linking ecological improvements to people.  Using case studies of various NOAA fisheries habitat conservation projects we explore the typical economic benefits and impacts that flow from coastal habitat conservation such as improved fisheries.  These restoration projects range from dam removal for improved fish passage, coastal wetland restoration, coral reef conservation and reducing land based sources of water pollution. We suggest a few areas for further research exploring questions such as; what are the benefits to commercial and recreational fishing? What is the public’s value for ecosystem services of improved migratory fish habitat? What is the public perception and understanding on the role of habitat and its relationship to healthy fish populations?  Does recreational fishing activity increase with improved water quality? We also discuss how additional benefit measures such as non-market valuation can be applied to other non-fisheries recreational activities, coastal protection and wider consumer surplus considerations can be incorporated into decision making and planning that benefit coastal fisheries management.