Socioeconomic Implications of Siting Marine Reserves in United States Waters

Abstract

This paper describes how, in order to protect and restore fisheries in the United States, and to conserve biodiversity and cultural heritage sites (e.g., sunken ships), many natural scientists and environmentalists are promoting the use of marine protected areas (MPAs). Historically, very little U.S. waters are protected, but given the recent momentum in both the public and private arena for creating MPAs, it appears that there is social value in creating areas free from exploitation within the marine environment. However, important questions remain on the goals, uses, location, size and number of MPAs. In order to help shed light on the economic and social component of these questions, the paper discusses some expected benefits and costs associated with setting aside areas of the marine habitat in reserves where all resources are protected from extractive use (i.e., no-take zones). Before discussing the potential economic and social effects of marine reserves, the paper briefly discusses the science of marine reserves and the mechanisms that lead to the many stated benefits. Then the paper goes on to describe the institutional environment where marine reserves will be sited, because of its importance in determining the long-run effectiveness and the potential support the reserves will receive in the implementation process.