This is a brief description of studies that exemplify the methods and approaches that have been developed and used by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) researchers in conducting integrated assessments. See the complete list of Integrated Assessment Briefs to find out more about ORNL's efforts in integrated assessment. Contact Mike Farrell (farrellmp@ornl.gov) for more information.

Valuation and the Consequences of Multiple Sources of Environmental Deterioration

This table shows the economic losses associated with sources of environmental degradation in Chesapeake Bay and the Hudson River.

How can one measure the economic losses associated with sources of environmental degradation, when the degradation is caused by multiple sources? What are the policy implications of multiple sources of degradation?

This study examines two sources of environmental degradation in the New York striped bass fishery. The first is the decline in environmental quality in Chesapeake Bay. The second is the PCB contamination of striped bass from the Hudson River. Both places are primary spawning grounds for striped bass in New York waters.

The results of the study show that the two fisheries (Hudson and Chesapeake) cannot be managed independently. For example, the study shows that the loss in value associated with the general deterioration of the Chesapeake-based striped bass population was $2.3M to $7.7M. However, a management policy that augmented Chesapeake populations without addressing the Hudson contamination problem would not recover the full amount. A continued consumption ban would prevent the realization of these benefits.

The study also shows that the losses associated with the Hudson contamination and associated ban would total $0.745M to $3.7M. However, cleaning up the Hudson River would not guarantee the realization of these benefits, as depressed Chesapeake populations may necessitate management actions that restrict catch through quantity and size limits.

Kahn, J. and R. D. Buerger. 1994. Valuation and consequences of multiple sources of environmental deterioration: The case of the New York striped bass fishery. Journal of Environmental Management 40:257-273.

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Integrated Assessment Briefs. 1995. ORNL/M-4227. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN.