| Marine protected areas (MPA) potentially offer a wide range of use and non-use benefits. These include critical habitat protection, conservation of marine biodiversity, recovery of threatened and endangered marine species, and increased biomass of targeted marine species. To assess whether such benefits exceed the potential costs, we provide the first-ever comprehensive ex-ante, socio-economic guide to MPA evaluation. Our framework shows how to quantify four key values of MPAs: consumptive, non-consumptive, indirect, and non-use values. The framework also shows how to use decision tools to determine the desirability of establishing MPAs. Overall, the guide offers the promise of improved information and better decision making for marine protected areas. |
