Economic Implications of Oregon's Coastal Chinook and Steelhead Conservation and Management Plan Developed in 2014

An economic analysis accompanied the development of an anadromous fish State and federal required conservation and management plan. The plan is for Chinook and steelhead species originating along the Oregon Coast. The economic analysis estimated the regional economic contribution effects that would come from the plan being in place. Net economic value concepts, including non-use valuations, were discussed. The economic analysis did not include assessments for other than hatchery operation and angling opportunity actions, such as habitat improvements and predation resolutions. The overall economic contributions from the plan actions to freshwater fisheries angler activity will be about 15 percent greater than current conditions. The plan actions economic effects are 64 percent from wild origin fish. The hatchery costs per freshwater retained fish are $128. The summary cost indicator varied widely by the necessary trapping, rearing, and releasing operations for the different species; and, the proportion of adults escaping ocean mortalities. For example, fall Chinook is subject to significant ocean fisheries while steelhead is not. The economic analysis results from this project reveal the recreational angling and hatchery operation economic contributions at risk if access to mixed stock fisheries is eliminated.