What Are the Economic Costs and Benefits Associated with an MPA?
Although MPAs have traditionally been created to preserve ecological populations, economics now plays a more prominent role in the MPA process. The success of an MPA is now highly dependent on its financial viability and economic sustainability.
Proving that the long-term value of marine ecosystem conservation will
benefit society is often insufficient for individuals to support the
MPA. Evidence is required to show that both the long-term and short-term
benefits outweigh the costs. These costs might include loss of revenue
to fishermen, offshore oil and gas concerns, and to other businesses.
However, benefits might include increased ecotourism and improved fish
populations over the long term.
How Can Knowing This Help Me?
Knowing the economic costs and benefits associated with an MPA will help managers accurately identify and measure the impacts that an MPA has on communities.
It will also provide the managers with information that can justify, at an economic level, some of the decisions they make in the management of an MPA.
Additionally, economic analysis may be used to demonstrate the value of the resources to commercial and private-sector stakeholders that are more accustomed to decision making based on economic factors.
What Are Some Tools I Can Use?
![[Skip Navigation]](/images/pixel.gif){kind=tracking}
