The Measurement of Benefits of Trout Fishing: Preliminary Results of a Study at Grafham Water, Great Ouse Water Authority, Huntingdonshire

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the empirical estimation of a Clawson style demand curve for a trout fishery, based upon data relating to Grafham Water, Huntingdon, England. In Section A the economist's approach to recreation valuations and various approaches to the measurement of recreational benefits are discussed. The basis of the Clawson approach is a relationship between distance and visitation rates from zones surrounding the fishery. A statistical analysis of the Grafham data shows the sensitivity of visitation rates to distance. From this relationship a Clawson style demand curve for trout fishing is estimated. In addition, an estimate of monetary benefits of trout fishing is made under various assumptions as to the valuation of anglers' time.