Findings from the Economic Valuation Study of Sarasota Bay Set to be Released This Summer

BRADENTON – The findings from the SBEP-funded Economic Valuation Study of Sarasota Bay will be released early this summer. Phase one of the study was completed in 2012. The research team estimated the total capitalized value of single family properties on or near Sarasota Bay to be $3.6 billion dollars.

Phase two includes a survey of residents and visitors that use the bay for recreation activities such as boating, fishing, scuba diving, birding, and more. The totals from the survey will be added to the property value for an overall valuation of Sarasota Bay.

Dr. Paul Hindsley of Eckerd College's Coastal Management Program is the lead researcher. He has expertise in coastal policy analysis, natural hazards research and econometrics. Other team members include Dr. Kelly Debure with Eckerd College and Dr. O. Aston Morgan with Appalachian State University. Debure is a professor of computer science and Morgan is a professor of economics.