Port-induced erosion prediction and valuation of a local recreational beach

Abstract

This study attempts to integrate environmental economics and coastal engineering in managing port-induced coastal erosion occurring at a common beach by using Map Ta Phut port in Thailand as a case study. The existence of the port creates coastal erosion which can be considered an externality that affects local inhabitants, and a port owner and shipping companies can be seen as “polluters”. Overlaying of aerial photographs provided strong evidence that the coastline was severely eroded after the construction of the port. Coastal engineering softwares, LITPACK and MIKE 21 PMS, were utilized to predict future shoreline positions and investigate wave patterns around the port. The port alters wave climate and the port-induced erosion is jeopardizing a local recreational beach called Nam Rin, which is projected to disappear in 5 years. A valuation of Nam Rin beach using single-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation method revealed individual willingness to pay (WTP) for the beach, being 867.5 baht (approximately US$ 24.8) per year. Multiplying the individual WTP with the appropriate number of population to acquire the beach protection benefit and dividing such benefit by construction and maintenance costs of a particular beach protection measure, the polluters can select a proper beach protection approach that fulfills their benefit–cost requirement.