The Economic Value of Scuba-Diving Use of Natural and Artificial Reef Habitats

Abstract

Artificial reefs may attract and sustain fish populations, but whether they resemble natural reefs is open to conjecture. This article addresses the question of whether artificial reefs are functionally acceptable to scuba divers. Research objectives were (1) to identify the nonmarket value of recreational scuba diving in offshore marine waters and (2) to ascertain whether the willingness to pay for scuba diving varied between users of natural and artificial reef habitats. A random sample of 1,059 scuba divers was used to estimate consumer's surplus associated with the diving experience. While natural and artificial habitats provide substantial economic value associated with diving, results indicate divers using natural reef habitats value their diving experience significantly more highly than those using artificial reef habitats. Also, substantial value from recreational diving use of artificial reefs suggests they serve as potential substitutes and thus may alleviate pressures on natural reef areas for conservation purposes.