Form ( COP Format for Project Final Report )

The benefits of Marine Managed Areas (MMAs) (i) biodiversity conservation; (ii) protection of habitats attractive to tourism; (iii) increased productivity of fisheries; (iv) increased knowledge of marine science; (v) refuge for intensely exploited fish and invertebrate species, and (vi) protection of cultural diversity e.g. sacred places, wrecks and lighthouses. The study has evaluated the costs and benefits of six MMAs in Hawaii: Hanauma Bay and Waikiki Diamond Head, both on Oahu; Molokini and Honolua on Maui, and Waiopae and Kahaluu on Big Island. The economic analysis showed that from an economic welfare perspective, the MMA management options were favorable. The economic benefit cost ratio was very high, ranging from 3.8 in Hanauma Bay to over 40 in Honolua. Financial benefit cost ratios were also calculated, based on actually capturable revenues. In most sites, a small user fee suffices to break even financially. For Hanauma, this amount is $1.5, while for Honolua, this is just $ 0.17.