DISCRETE-CHOICE VALUATION OF RECREATIONAL ANGLING IN NORTHERN-IRELAND

A discrete-choice Contingent Valuation approach, whose benefits in reducing certain forms of bias are briefly reviewed, was used to estimate the consumer value ascribed by recreational anglers in Northern Ireland to the access to angling sites afforded by game-season permits and licences. A survey of 700 anglers was carried out during the 1988 season. Respondents were differentiated according to whether or not they had experience of purchasing permits. Those with experience of purchasing game-season permits revealed a median willingness to pay 26 percent above the prevailing price. The median willingness to pay for licences revealed by anglers who had experience of purchasing licences was 61 per cent above the prevailing price. Some evidence was uncovered that those without experience of purchase were less able to relate to price levels in a consistent manner.