Abstract

This study sought to quantify the potential effects of changes in Caribbean reef fish populations on recreational divers' consumer surplus. Over five hundred tourist SCUBA divers were interviewed at seven sites across three Caribbean countries representing a diversity of individuals within the Caribbean dive market. A choice experi- ment was used to assess willingness to pay as a function of the abundance and size of reef fishes, the presence of fishing activity/gear, and dive price. Despite some preference heterogeneity both between and within sites, the results indicate that future declines in the abundance of reef fishes, and particularly in the number of large fishes observed on recreational dives, will result in significant reductions in diver consumer surplus. On the other hand, improvements in fish populations and reduced fishing gear encounters are likely to result in signif- icant economic gains. These results can be used to justify investment in pre-emptive management strategies targeted at improving reef fish stocks (namely reducing unsustainable fishing activities and land-based reef im- pacts), managing conflicting uses, as well as to indicate a possible source of financing for such conservation activities. 

Abstract:

The REEF/TNC Fish Survey Project is a volunteer fish monitoring program developed by the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) with support from The Nature Conservancy (TNC). REEF volunteers collect fish distribution and log scale abundance data for the project using a standardized visual method. These data are housed in a publicly accessible database on REEF’s Website (http://www.reef.org). To date, the REEF database contains over 19,000 surveys from approximately 1,800 sites in the tropical western Atlantic region. The standardized census method provides a consistency in data collection applied over a wide geographic range. Such a database represents a valuable tool for marine resource managers. REEF data are currently being used by a number of marine parks and resource agencies for assessment and long- term monitoring, including the Bonaire Marine Park (BMP; Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles). Between December 1993 and July 1999, approximately 2,000 fish surveys have been completed by REEF volunteers on the reefs of Bonaire and Klein Bonaire. From these data, a total of 362 species were reported from 77 sites surveyed, making Bonaire one of the most species rich locations in REEF's database. Similarity and ordination analysis on a sub-set of sites indicated that fish assemblages on Klein Bonaire were distinct from those on Bonaire. Sites within the two Bonaire research reserves appeared distinct from other Bonaire sites. This paper provides the most comprehensive species list to date for the BMP. In addition, this established database will act as a baseline against which future change can be assessed.