The value of recreational fishing along the Capricorn Coast: a pooled revealed preference and contingent behaviour model

Abstract

Given the focus on protecting natural assets in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP), it is important for managers and policy makers to understand the value of recreational activities such as fishing in the area, and how changes in management may affect those recreational values. This paper reports research estimating the value of recreational fishing along the Capricorn Coast in Central Queensland. Travel cost methods were used to estimate the value of recreational fishing using data from on-site surveys conducted at boat ramps along the Capricorn Coast. The study also uses contingent behaviour models to estimate the change in the value of recreational fishing as conditions vary. Results indicate that there are high values associated with recreational fishing activity along the Capricorn Coast, that the demand for recreational fishing is inelastic and that values are not sensitive to changes in catch rates.