Dr. Michele Baggio
Assistant Professor, Department of Economics
University of Connecticut
Evaluating the Effects of River and Stream Restorations: An Application in Switzerland
In this paper, we propose a rigorous assessment of the impact of rehabilitations and restorations of rivers and streams on recreational fishing, which is a well-known ecosystem service. This question is addressed by investigating whether there is any statistical evidence that river restorations/rehabilitations led to significant effects on outcomes related to recreational fishing, specifically, whether restorations had any effect on catch for trips in streams and rivers. Our analysis is based on an empirical application to recreational fishing on the streams in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. We exploit a unique and rich compilation of data that include observable historical stream characteristics, detailed information on stream restorations, trip-level catch, and anglers’ characteristics that include repeated pre-and post-treatment outcomes. Results indicate that restoration efforts lead to higher catches for trout and other desirable fish. Finally, we investigate the behavioral response and we calculate the corresponding welfare effects for actual improvements of fish catch rates.
DATE: Friday, December 11, 2015
TIME: 12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
PLACE: W.B. Young Bldg., Rm. 327
For more information, contact: Tatiana Andreyeva at tatiana.andreyeva@uconn.edu