A combined SP-RP model to estimate the value of improvements in freshwater angling in England

This paper estimates the value of improvements in the quality of freshwater angling sites in England, combining the results of stated preference (SP) models and a revealed preference (RP) model of the anglers’ actual choices of fishing sites and number of trips over a season. The paper provides comprehensive information into what anglers value and how much, considering all fishery types (coarse, game, and mixed) and water body types (river, stillwater, and canal) and a wide range of fish species. The study also considers several locational characteristics of the fishing sites, which have seldom been included in either SP or RP studies. We found that anglers attach a substantial value to lack of pollution, availability of pegs, and an attractive site environment. On average, the maximum possible improvement in one of these attributes in a given site more than doubles the number of visitors to that site and generates a total additional benefit of more than £10 per existing trip. Increases in fish size and quantity are also predicted to cause considerable changes in the number of visits and additional benefit, especially when moving from small/low to medium levels.