Estimating values for recreational fishing at freshwater dams in Queensland*

Abstract

In this paper, estimates of value for recreational fishing are reported for three major freshwater impoundments in Queensland, Australia, using both travel cost and contingent valuation methods. Policy analysts often require estimates of value when analysing the importance of recreation against other uses of impoundments, or when considering the potential for further investments, such as with fish stocking programs. Different forms of the travel cost method are used to estimate separate consumer surpluses associated with two key subgroups of recreational anglers: frequent and occasional anglers. A contingent valuation study is used to estimate the marginal values associated with a potential improvement in fishing experience. The results of the travel cost analysis provide strong evidence that recreational values vary between different groups of anglers and across sites, while the contingent valuation estimates provide values for additional marginal benefits of recreational angling.

Evaluating an ecosystem service provided by Atlantic salmon, sea trout and other fish species in the River Spey, Scotland: The economic impact of recreational rod fisheries

“…Other studies have shown that anglers' marginal utility does not necessarily increase if more fish are caught (e.g. Hundloe et al, 2006;Rolfe and Prayaga, 2006), and hence moderate increases or decreases in catches caused by management actions or natural variations in fish abundance are unlikely to result in marked alterations in angler expenditure, and therefore gross output. There is likely to be a complex relationship between catch, rents charged by fishery owners and angler expenditure, and a contingent valuation study of anglers would be required to fully quantify this on the Spey.…”

The Social Costs of Electricity Generation—Categorising Different Types of Costs and Evaluating Their Respective Relevance

“…Hydropower plants (especially those with dams) may also have relevant external landscape effects [126]. Several studies examine the impact of hydropower dams on nearby property prices [127][128][129] or use other revealed preference or stated preference methods to learn about people's preferences (e.g., concerning recreational usage) for free-flowing rivers and dammed river stretches [130][131][132][133]. However, results from these studies are not conclusive and they do not enable the related externalities from this technology to be quantified.…”

Basin Futures : Water reform in the Murray-Darling Basin

“…There are also valuation differences based on frequency of visitation. Rolfe and Prayaga (2007) find regular visitors have higher values than one-time visitors to freshwater impoundments.…”