Artificial Reef Attributes And The Relationship With Natural Reefs: Evidence From The Florida Keys

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Ashton Morgan Ph.D., Assistant Professor (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/

Abstract: Natural or coral reefs represent extremely valuable ecosystems supporting an estimated 25 percent of all marine life, yet recent reports suggest that 75 percent of the world’s natural reefs are under threat from both natural and human stressors. In areas such as the Florida Keys that boasts an expansive mix of natural and artificial reefs, recreational diving on the system provides an important economic contribution to the local community but also potentially contributes to the stress of the existing natural reef system. We develop a revealed and stated preference modeling framework of diver behavior and find that deployment of an additional large ship reef increases overall diving activity but does not impact diving behavior on the natural reef system.

Additional Information

Publication
Huth, William L.; Morgan, O. Ashton; and Hindsley, Paul (2015) "Artificial Reef Attributes and The Relationship With Natural Reefs: Evidence From The Florida Keys," Journal of Ocean and Coastal Economics: Vol. 2: Iss. 1, Article 2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15351/2373-8456.1024. Publisher version of record available at: https://cbe.miis.edu/joce/vol2/ iss1/2/
Language: English
Date: 2015
Keywords
coral reefs, Florida Keys, natural reefs, diving

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