The Value of Oyster Reef Restoration

We analyze public preferences for oyster reef restoration, focusing on the US Gulf Coast, one of the leading oyster-producing regions in the US. We administer a contingent-valuation survey to 4,690 households across the region using a web survey instrument employing videos to convey key information and follow-up questions to mitigate hypothetical bias. We test for status-quo and scope effects, and compare a restricted sample of “high-quality” responses that are internally consistent against the full sample. We provide estimates of both household and aggregate willingness to pay and place these in the context on ongoing oyster restoration efforts and commercial landings. Results indicate that public support for oyster restoration, in terms of willingness to pay, exceeds current restoration expenditures and is consistent with the current market value of oysters. We also find that preferences are driven strongly by those who eat oysters as well as those who are saltwater anglers.