MASGC Project Impacts

Research quantifies value of ecosystem services of off-bottom oyster farms in the Gulf of Mexico

Relevance:

Documentation of the economic value of ecosystem services of off-bottom oyster farming provides a better understanding of the public benefits of leasing public grounds and waters for private use, increasing public acceptance and allowing regulatory agencies to consider reduction of permit fees to a rate that encourages applications and oyster farm start-ups.

Response:

Sea Grant-funded researchers conducted an exhaustive search of the scientific literature to quantify ecosystem services provided by oyster farming or generate reasonable estimates of ecosystem services from oyster reefs. With these data, Sea Grant-funded researchers performed an economic analysis on two oyster farms in Alabama and Louisiana to estimate the economic value of the ecosystem services provided by off-bottom oyster farming in these areas.

Results:

The marginal economic value per acre of off-bottom long-line aquaculture in terms of recreational and commercial fisheries enhancements was estimated at $1,564 in Alabama and $2,286 in Louisiana. Using the low end of the marginal economic values, the 18 acres of oyster farms in Alabama provides more than $28,152 beyond the $2M in (2016) commercial sales. Scientists presented the results of this work at a meeting of Alabama oyster growers, a meeting of the National Shellfisheries Association and various invited presentations to regional groups. The results were also shared in the electronic newsletter for Alabama and Mississippi oyster farming (“On the Lid”) with over 100 subscribers, and on social media outlets for Auburn University Shellfish Laboratory (e.g., Facebook, Twitter and Instagram). Ecosystem services were explicitly included in the Gulf of Mexico Shellfish Initiative, drafted by the Gulf Oyster Industry Council.  The initiative calls foran ecosystem service approach to drive oyster management. Scientists also shared these results with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and the North Florida Aquaculture Association in their efforts to permit off-bottom oyster farms in Mississippi and Florida.

Recap:

Ecosystem services research finds that Alabama oyster farms provide almost $30,000 in ecosytem servcies beyond the value of commerical sales. This research is influencing how permitting decisions are made, and oyster growers are using it as a marketing tool. (2017)