358
The Biology of Sea Turtles, Vol. II
Indirect consumption of sea turtles comes from incidental interactions between
sea turtles and human activity (Lutcavage et al., 1997; Meylan and Ehrenfeld, 2000).
The list of activities that indirectly consume sea turtles has become astonishing in
its length. The list compiled by Meylan and Ehrenfeld (2000) includes activities
both on land and in the water, and encompasses activities that result in lethal and
sublethal effects, and in loss of sea turtle habitat. The greatest indirect sea turtle
consumption for most species is by mortality from incidental capture by either neritic
or oceanic fisheries (Chapter 13, this volume).
14.3 WHAT ARE SEA TURTLES WORTH?
Value is surely an elusive measure in openly traded goods and services, but especially
for an environmental resource such as sea turtles. Of course, sea turtles are often
openly traded, as are many other commodities, and this trade can help demonstrate
a measurable economic value. However, superimposed on this trade value are other
important values.
14.3.1 U SE V ALUES
14.3.1.1 Consumptive Use Value
Consumptive use value is the most directly measured value from an economic
standpoint. Consumptive value can be measured by the market price of whole turtles
or eggs, the per-unit price of sea turtle parts such as meat, calipee, carapace scutes,
oil, and skins, or the products from sea turtles to which value has been added, such
as green turtle soup, bekko jewelry, cosmetics, and leather products.
14.3.1.2 Nonconsumptive Use Value
Sea turtles can be used without consuming them, and compared to other organisms,
this nonconsumptive value for sea turtles is high. With their foray onto beaches
during reproduction and their large size and conspicuity in water, sea turtles lend
themselves well to being watched. A principal nonconsumptive use of sea turtles is
by ecotourism in the form of turtle watches. On turtle watches, individuals or groups,
either guided or autonomous, locate sea turtles on beaches and watch the nesting
process. Other nonconsumptive uses include scientific study and the collection of
information, including genetic information that could be useful for technological
applications.
14.3.1.3 Option Value
An option value comes from an anticipated or delayed use of sea turtles. The
nature of this use may be unknown at the time that value is appraised, or a known
use may be postponed given an anticipated increase in either consumptive or
nonconsumptive value.
1123 book.book Page 358 Monday, November 11, 2002 11:11 AM
The Biology of Sea Turtles, Vol. II
Indirect consumption of sea turtles comes from incidental interactions between
sea turtles and human activity (Lutcavage et al., 1997; Meylan and Ehrenfeld, 2000).
The list of activities that indirectly consume sea turtles has become astonishing in
its length. The list compiled by Meylan and Ehrenfeld (2000) includes activities
both on land and in the water, and encompasses activities that result in lethal and
sublethal effects, and in loss of sea turtle habitat. The greatest indirect sea turtle
consumption for most species is by mortality from incidental capture by either neritic
or oceanic fisheries (Chapter 13, this volume).
14.3 WHAT ARE SEA TURTLES WORTH?
Value is surely an elusive measure in openly traded goods and services, but especially
for an environmental resource such as sea turtles. Of course, sea turtles are often
openly traded, as are many other commodities, and this trade can help demonstrate
a measurable economic value. However, superimposed on this trade value are other
important values.
14.3.1 U SE V ALUES
14.3.1.1 Consumptive Use Value
Consumptive use value is the most directly measured value from an economic
standpoint. Consumptive value can be measured by the market price of whole turtles
or eggs, the per-unit price of sea turtle parts such as meat, calipee, carapace scutes,
oil, and skins, or the products from sea turtles to which value has been added, such
as green turtle soup, bekko jewelry, cosmetics, and leather products.
14.3.1.2 Nonconsumptive Use Value
Sea turtles can be used without consuming them, and compared to other organisms,
this nonconsumptive value for sea turtles is high. With their foray onto beaches
during reproduction and their large size and conspicuity in water, sea turtles lend
themselves well to being watched. A principal nonconsumptive use of sea turtles is
by ecotourism in the form of turtle watches. On turtle watches, individuals or groups,
either guided or autonomous, locate sea turtles on beaches and watch the nesting
process. Other nonconsumptive uses include scientific study and the collection of
information, including genetic information that could be useful for technological
applications.
14.3.1.3 Option Value
An option value comes from an anticipated or delayed use of sea turtles. The
nature of this use may be unknown at the time that value is appraised, or a known
use may be postponed given an anticipated increase in either consumptive or
nonconsumptive value.
1123 book.book Page 358 Monday, November 11, 2002 11:11 AM