Measuring the recreational value of changes in coral reef ecosystem quality in Jamaica: The application of two stated preference methods

Coral reefs and their associated ecosystems provide important ecological and economic benefits for small island developing states such as Jamaica. They are however threatened by natural and anthropogenic impacts such as: coastal pollution, rapid coastal development, overfishing and global warming. These threats require environmental management in order to mitigate the negative impacts. Management activities are, however, dependent on funding which is often limited or absent in island nations such as Jamaica. Given the limitations on financing for coastal protection and resource management it is understandable that policymakers might consider alternative mechanisms of generating funding. These funds could be raised in the form of taxes on the primary resource users. In the case of Jamaica this would be tourists visiting the island.;This study applies two types of stated preference techniques to provide estimates of the recreational values associated with quality changes to Jamaica's coastal ecosystem. The results of the study are used to discuss the feasibility of generating revenues for the sustainable financing of ocean and coastal management in Jamaica. It is hoped that the findings of this dissertation will contribute to policy development, implementation leading to better management of coastal resources in Jamaica. A random airport intercept of tourists who visited Jamaica was conducted in January 2008. Two separate groups of respondents received either a self administered contingent behavior survey or a stated choice survey.;The findings of the contingent behavior study show that the "label" of the tax as well as the respondents' awareness of the institutional mechanisms for environmental protection and tourism are important to their decision framework. The results show that current coastal zone management activities could be financed from the introduction of a ;The findings of the stated choice study confirm a priori expectations that a decline in present day beach, water and coral reef quality is least preferred while improvements to the existing environmental quality is most desired by respondents. For a hypothetical decline in quality from the status quo, that is, good beach and water quality and fair marine life, the mean welfare loss for each individual was calculated at US;Both studies show that tourists have consumer surpluses associated with a beach and coral reef vacation that greatly exceed the costs of coastal management. The studies also show that environmental user fees could be an attractive sustainable financing option. The findings also seem to refute the oft touted concern that the imposition of additional taxes would ruin the tourism industry in Jamaica.;This study demonstrates an approach that could be used as part of the policy framework for resource protection and sustainable management of important coastal ecosystems and natural resources in other countries dependent on coral reef based tourism.