Key Biscayne's Beaches: A Contingent Valuation Project for MAF 502

Beach recreation can be a contentious topic because of the conflicting types of recreation in this setting. For example, proponents of beach renourishment emphasize benefits to tourism but often do not see lost economic value in related, diminished wildlife habitat. In this class project, we will look at recreational amenities at three Key Biscayne beaches. The issue of who pays for beach renourishment is also a contentious issue, but one we will not focus on. Instead, one goal of the project will be to learn what dollar value people place on amenities such as wildlife habitat. A second goal will be to learn what factors influence the valuation process. The method to be used is contingent valuation, which uses surveys to elicit users' willingness to pay for natural resource goods and services not commonly transacted in markets.

The 1997 survey instrument is attached. Participating students were asked to use the thirteen standard questions, plus to compose one of their one. In 1997, three students participated in this project, and their efforts are instructive.

Eileen Alicea used a split sample of monoligual Spanish speakers and English speakers to determine if there is a difference in the values people in these groups hold for preserving endangered marine turtle species. Her hypothesis is of direct concern to those conducting educational outreach efforts to protect marine turtles.

Kevin O'Brien used a split sample to determine if the values people express for marine turtle preservation depend on whether one species is being preserved (loggerhead) or two (loggerhead and green sea). When expressed values are independent of the scale of amenity, economists say that the values are "embedded" in a larger concern for the environment rather than for the specific amenity in question. The "embedded" criticism is perhaps the most important one for the contingent valuation method.

Erica Van Coverden added a question that asked respondents if the proposed $0.50 increase in the Rickenbacker Causeway toll would change the frequency of their visits to Key Biscayne beaches. Her hypothesis is of interest to anyone having an economic interest in beach tourism on the island, which is likely an extensive list.

We attach Adobe PDF versions of their papers.

David Letson, Ph.D.
University of Miami/RSMAS/MAF