mNCEA Use and Existence values for Wading Birds, Seabirds, and Marine Mammals

This contract is about designing a series of surveys to generate values for natural capital assets, delivering the data collection and econometric analysis for this work area.

1. Cultural values for the wading birds, marine mammals and seabirds

The first strand of this project is to estimate cultural values for wading birds, marine mammals and seabirds using monetary valuation techniques, to link with ecological data being collected for the same species. We are seeking to understand the motivation for recreational visits to the coast to determine how they are influenced by wildlife watching; who are the beneficiaries of recreational visits; and how a change in the abundance and diversity of key species could affect their value to society. The work will focus on determining the value of wildlife recreation, with, if possible, existence values determined as a secondary aim. There will also be a focus on how the value of wildlife recreation relates to population sizes and frequency of wildlife interaction, which should also be connected to the relevant descriptors for, and perceptions of, Good Environmental Status for these species (and to the work in the second strand, below). These values will be elicited using face to face surveys in three specific locations:

I. Eider duck in Northumberland II. Bottlenose dolphin and Bluefin Tuna in Cornwall III. Wading birds in Morecambe Bay and Duddon Estuary

with additional online national surveys.

2. Economic value of a component of marine natural capital linked to one of the Good Environmental Status (GES) descriptors

The second strand of this project is to estimate monetary values of a marine natural capital component linked to one of the Good Environmental Status (GES) descriptors (which will be defined in advance by Natural England and our partners). This will require an online, national-level stated preference questionnaire focusing on a marine natural capital component to understand how individuals value whether GES is achieved.

The outcome of GES strand of the project is as follows:

• Understand the benefits or disbenefits to society of a GES descriptor being 'achieved' vs 'not achieved' based on ecosystem service valuation and market analyses.

• Produce evidence that can be used in appraisal mechanisms (such as cost benefit analysis or regulatory impact assessment) for assessing the implications of management decisions to support achieving GES.

You may apply for this opportunity via the Authority's e-sourcing portal https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome