Regional economic impacts of razor clam beach closures due to harmful algal blooms (HABs) on the Pacific coast of Washington

Abstract

Visitor spending in the recreational razor clam fishery positively impacts the coastal economies of Grays Harbor and Pacific counties in Washington State. Since 1991 the fishery has frequently closed due to harmful algal blooms (HABs). These events reduce or eliminate recreational clam-related visitor spending. We develop an economic impact model, based on recreationists’ spending, to estimate the economic impacts of these closures. To estimate visitor expenditure patterns, questionnaires were distributed in April of 2008 to an on-site sample of clammers at four beaches on Washington's Pacific coast: Mocrocks, Copalis, Twin Harbors, and Long Beach. Based upon responses from 240 parties, the average expenditure per party ranged from $268.77 at Mocrocks beach to $412.67 at Long Beach. Overall expenditures for the 2007–2008 season were estimated at $24.4 million. A regional input–output model was used to estimate that the fishery had the local economic impact of supporting 404 full-time equivalent jobs and $12.6 million in labor income. To estimate negative impacts of HAB closures, expected visitor expenditures are adjusted to account for visitors’ stated intentions when razor clamming is unavailable. For a full year closure of all four beaches, the estimated negative economic impact is a loss of support from the razor clam fishery impacting 339 full-time equivalent jobs and $10.6 million of labor income in the two counties. Further, impacts were calculated for beach closures ranging from a single (2–5 days) season opening to a full year, for individual beaches and combinations of beaches. As expected, the closing of a single opening at one beach had the smallest economic impacts, while whole season closures at multiple beaches had the largest impact.