Value of Hawaii's coral reef: $33.57 billion

Khon2 - 

It's being called a ground-breaking survey. A report commissioned by the federal government says Americans believe Hawaii's coral reefs are worth $33.57 billion a year. The report is based on a national survey conducted in 2009.

How much money would you devote to improve and preserve Hawaii's coral reefs every year? It's a question that was presented in a survey to more than 3,200 American households that were randomly selected across the country.

"People who'll never go see these reefs in Hawaii who live far, far from the islands," said Jon Corsiglia, Communications and Outreach Specialist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Coral Reef Conservation Program. "Hold value dear to their hearts on these coral reefs."

The statistically valid sample was taken from June through October of 2009.

"Essentially people responded by saying, I would be willing to pay X amount," said Corsiglia. "Per household, average is 287 dollars per year."

Full story...

Posted via http://maritime-news.posterous.com Maritime-News posterous