Coastal Services Center

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ECONOMICS

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Focuses on economic conditions and trends associated with marine protected areas and how these conditions affect decision making.

"Questions of financial viability and economic sustainability are of central importance to the success of MPAs" (International Union for the Conservation of Nature)

New to economics and economic valuation? Go to Introduction to Economics for MPA Managers.

Economics assesses the financial implications of decision making and looks at the impact on people and communities. Some areas for consideration include market and nonmarket valuation, costs and benefits, and socioeconomic data.

In determining the total economic value of an MPA, managers must consider all forms of value that may be derived from the resources they protect. Environmental economists define these values in many ways. For a visual representation see the "Economic values associated with marine and coastal ecosystems" diagram.

Common Questions

• How do managers assess and monitor the potential economic impacts associated with MPAs?
• What are the economic costs and benefits associated with an MPA?
• What kinds of existing socioeconomic data can be gathered in the analysis of an MPA?
• What techniques are available to managers to help them assign a market value to specific resources?

What Are Some Tools I Can Use?

Cost-Benefit Analysis	Secondary Data Analysis	Nonmarket Valuation
Social Impact Assessment	Surveys	Interviewing