Saltwater Angling Valuation Studies

NOAA Fisheries conducts two types of surveys for valuing saltwater angler benefits, Revealed Preference Surveys and Stated Preference Surveys. These surveys underpin models that are used in fishery management and other resource management contexts.

Revealed preference models provide insights into recreational angler behavior and the economic value of recreational fishing trips. In a fisheries management context, these models may be used to show the economic effects of different management alternatives under consideration, to analyze the rebuilding of fish stocks, or may provide the input data on angler behavior that are needed for regional impact assessments. They are useful for evaluating projects that affect fisheries (such as dam removal), natural resource damage assessment (such as an oil spill), and for ecosystem management decisions.  

Stated preference models can be used for the same purposes as revealed preference studies, including the identification of patterns in angler behavior, gauging reactions to management and stock changes, examining species trade-offs, evaluating large-scale environmental issues or policies, valuation of fish or angling trips, and cost-benefit analyses. The results of stated preference studies may be used to provide context for management issues or as predictive assessments of potential policy changes.