Measuring the Economic Impacts of Sea-Level Rise on Marine Recreational Shore Fishing in North Carolina

In this study we develop estimates of the economic effects of climate change-induced sea level rise on marine recreational shore fishing in North Carolina. We estimate the relationship between angler behavior and spatial differences in beach width using Marine Recreation Fishing Statistics Survey and geospatial data. We exploit this relationship by simulating the effects of sea level rise on beach width and beach width on angler behavior. We find that impacts on anglers ’ economic welfare are potentially substantial, ranging up to a present value of $1.29 billion over 75 years, using conservative estimates of fishing participation growth and a 2 % discount rate. In addition, the present value of lost business sales, labor income, capital income, and state and local tax revenue in coastal North Carolina due to reduced angler spending amount to $828 million, $307 million, $130 million, and $63 million, respectively, resulting in the loss of over 500 jobs