Assessment of Economic Losses to Recreational Activities from 1988 Marine Pollution Events and Assessment of Economic Losses from Long-Term Contamination of Fish within the New York Bight to New Jersey

In this paper economic losses from recent marine pollution events associated with recreational activities to New Jersey are examined. In addition, assessment of economic losses from long-term contamination of fish from the New York Bight to New Jersey are presented. During the 1987 and 1988 summer season, marine pollution and debris wash-ups occurred almost simultaneously in New York and New Jersey that resulted in beach closures, decreases in beach use and decreased sportfishing behaviour. Aggregate economic losses of the 1988 pollution and washup events to New Jersey were conservatively estimated to range from $379.1 million to $1597.8 million (1987$). In addition, the Hudson River Estuary and New York Bight have been exposed to long-term contamination by toxic substances (PCB, DDT, etc.) which have been detected in finfish from these waters. Effects from eating contaminated fish can result in sizeable economic losses and can provide justification for public policy regarding toxicants in seafood and in the marine environment.