Using stated preference valuation in the offshore environment to support marine planning

Area of Science:

• Marine ecology
• Environmental economics
• Natural capital valuation

Background:

• Marine natural capital components, particularly ecosystem services linked to offshore seabed habitats, are often overlooked in valuation studies.
• Seabed health is assessed using Good Environmental Status, aligning with EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive targets.
• Trade-offs between seabed habitat pressures and cultural ecosystem services (maritime heritage) and ecosystem health (seabirds) are examined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To value previously overlooked components of marine natural capital, specifically ecosystem services from UK North Sea offshore seabed habitats.
• To assess public values for changes in seabed condition and seabird populations, and their links to maritime cultural heritage.
• To inform marine planning and decision-making by quantifying the economic implications of natural capital degradation.

Main Methods:

• A discrete choice experiment was employed to elicit public preferences and values.
• Valuation focused on ecosystem services related to offshore seabed habitats and their impact on seabird populations and maritime cultural heritage.
• Non-use values for natural capital assets (seabed, seabirds) and use values for cultural ecosystem services were estimated.

Main Results:

• The public in England holds significant and correlated values for the condition of offshore seabeds and seabird populations.
• Projected losses in maritime cultural heritage are associated with expected decreases in public welfare.
• Elicited values for seabed habitats and seabirds primarily represent non-use values.

Conclusions:

• Marine planning must account for the significant public values associated with offshore seabed condition and seabird populations.
• Degradation of marine natural capital, impacting maritime cultural heritage, leads to demonstrable welfare losses.
• Integrating overlooked ecosystem services into valuation frameworks is essential for effective marine management and policy.