Conservation Pays How Protecting Endangered and Makes Good Business Sense DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE Defenders of Wildlife is a national, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities.

AUTHOR Jim Yuskavitch

Project Director Cindy Hoffman

Research TEAM Frank Casey Timm Kroeger Paula Manalo Heather Rorer

EDITORIAL TEAM Kate Davies: Editor Jen Lee: Art Director Peter Corcoran: Designer

© 2007 Defenders of Wildlife 1130 17th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036-4604 202.682.9400 www.defenders.org

Cover Photo: Southern sea otter in kelp bed, Monterey Bay, California ©Franz Lanting/Minden Pictures

This report was printed using 100% post-consumer-waste, process-chlorine- free recycled paper manufactured with wind power creating the following environmental benefits: 10.61 trees preserved for the future; 30.63 lbs waterborne waste not created; 4,506 gallons wastewater flow saved; 499 lbs solid waste not generated; 982 lbs net greenhouse gases prevented; 7,514,000 Printed by MOSAIC BTUs energy not consumed; 510 lbs air emissions not generated Table of Contents

Introduction 2 Staghorn and Elkhorn Corals 3 Bull Trout 4 Pacific Salmon 5 Bald Eagles 6 Whooping Cranes 7 Shorebirds 8 Louisiana Black 9 Southern Sea Otters 10 Gray Wolves 11 Manatees 12 Humpback Whales 13 Conclusion 14 U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Introduction

Data showing that saving imperiled species is economically valuable continue to mount, which is good news for people and wildlife.

ne of the greatest testimonials to America’s ence of a species is the primary reason visitors come desire to protect its native plant and to an area. In others, it complements a business animals and preserve its wildlife heritage strategy and provides welcome extra income. The Ois the Endangered Species Act (ESA). reintroduction of wolves to the greater Yellowstone Throughout the country, the ESA is safeguarding area in the mid-1990s, for example, has drawn wolf our treasured natural resources to ensure that they enthusiasts from all over the world to the park. These will be here for the benefit and enjoyment of future visitors account for an additional $35 million in generations of Americans. Since Congress passed spending each year. In Issaquah, Washington, local this landmark legislation with broad citizen support salmon streams offered community leaders looking in 1973, it has been the key to preventing endan- to boost tourism in this small town with something gered and threatened species such as bald eagles, to celebrate. A fall festival marking the salmon run gray wolves, manatees, sea otters and other animals is now a popular annual affair that draws 200,000 from vanishing forever. people and reaps a total economic benefit of more One benefit not widely recognized in ESA success than $7.5 million per year. stories, however, is the economic one. Saving species Data showing the economic value of saving imper- from pays, not only in terms of healthy, iled species continue to mount, which is good news intact ecosystems but also in dollars—dollars that for people and wildlife. This report examines some of may reach into several hundred millions. People these data and shares this good news in the context want to see eagles, wolves, manatees, sea otters and of a dozen ESA success stories. It offers specific other wildlife and will spend lots of money to do it. examples of how business owners, resource manag- Recognizing this, savvy entrepreneurs have started ers, civic leaders and local citizens throughout the businesses ranging from operating wildlife tours country are affirming the aesthetic, ecological and to selling souvenirs commemorating endangered economic value of nature and the plants and animals species, and small communities have organized festi- in their communities that are protected by the ESA. vals and other special events to celebrate rare animals These citizens recognize that saving species at risk is and attract tourism dollars. In some cases, the pres- not only the right thing to do, it’s good business. explore both natural and artificial reefs. Staghorn and Elkhorn Corals Nevertheless, recreational-use figures show that both residents and visitors prefer swimming among natural reefs by about a 2:1 margin. For example, from 2000 to 2001 locals spent 4.39 million person-days exploring artificial reefs while natural reefs racked up 9.35 million person-days. Out-of-town visi- tors explored artificial and natural reefs at 4.92 and 8.80 million person-days, respectively. Sales generated by visitors to artificial reefs were more than $1.65 billion. For natural reefs, the sales total was $2.7 billion.2 Even though artificial reef diving is considered an activity for the more experienced diver, Mace finds that many skilled, long-time divers still prefer to explore the natural reefs FLORIDA KEYS © RICK POLEY/VISUALS UNLIMITED and the varied fish and other animals oral reefs are among the Gary Mace, owner of Conch Republic they harbor. At least 23 dive shops in wonders of the underwater Divers in Tavernier and vice president the upper Florida Keys alone cater to ocean world. Composed of of the Upper Keys Association of Dive reef-diving enthusiasts and two glass- Climestone excreted by tiny living crea- and Snorkel Operators. bottom-boat touring companies serve tures called cnidarians, coral reefs offer Such underwater attractions resulted nondiving tourists who want a look at not just visual beauty but also in 18.15 million reef user-days in the the natural wonders of the reefs. “Those for many other kinds of sea life. Add southeast Florida counties of Broward, dive shops bring in a lot of money to a warm, semi-tropical environment, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Monroe the upper Keys, but not just for the and you have one of the world’s biggest from June 2000 to May 2001. This shops,” says Mace. “They also bring in tourist attractions. includes fishing, diving, snorkeling and money for motels, restaurants and other The coastal waters of southern boating tours. These visitors added $4.3 businesses.” Ultimately, it is Florida’s Florida are blessed with a system of billion to the region’s economy and reefs driving that economic engine. coral reefs, including staghorn and created 70,000 full- or part-time jobs “We get more diversity than they do elkhorn coral, which are also found in associated with coral-reef-based tourism on the Gulf Coast because we have the the waters of Bahamas and Caribbean. with a payroll of $1.2 billion.1 reefs,” Mace says. Populations of those two coral species Billed as the “dive capital of the The reefs provide a number of other have declined by 90 percent since 1980 world” the Florida Keys draw divers to economic benefits beyond dive tour- due to disease aggravated by hurri- ism. Reefs reduce beach erosion by canes, increasing predation, bleaching, dissipating the force of waves before sedimentation and changes in water NATURAL-REEF-related they reach shore. They produce sand 3 temperature and salinity attributed RECREATION in southeastern that helps replenish beaches, and to gobal warming. They were listed as support fisheries with an estimated Florida (2000-2001) threatened under the ESA in 2006. worth from $15,000 to $150,000 per ÿ Generated $2.7 billion in Diving and snorkeling tourism square kilometer depending on the retail sales in the region centered on south Florida coral reefs, species caught.4 Reefs also provide ÿ including both the natural and artificial Accounted for wage income habitat for other animals tourists enjoy variety, is substantial. “It’s not just the of $1.2 billion observing including the endangered reefs, but the habitat created by the ÿ Employed 43,320 Caribbean monkseal and hawksbill, reefs and the fish that live there,” says green and leatherback sea turtles.

defenders.org  to 4,000 days per year in the Klamath Bull Trout River basin.5 In Montana alone, a state where anglers spend an average of $44 per day fishing and fish 11.7 days per year, that translates into $9.8 to $12.1 million of additional income generated by bull trout fishing. With an economic multiplier applied, those figures become $18 to $22 million statewide.6 Compared to the overall trout fish- ing industry, the contribution of bull trout to the angling economy may seem comparatively small.7 Sportfishing in

/VISUALS UNLIMITED Montana generated $312 million in 2001, and Oregon tackle-shop owner errmann Perin estimates that only about 10 ichard H

© R percent to 15 percent of the anglers on the Metolius River are focusing specifi- nglers are always looking for them, bringing additional income to cally on bull trout. Still, the expected a new challenge and in some local communities in the process. increased income is substantial for the parts of the West, they’ve found “I see dozen of guys coming to this small communities and businesses that oneA in the bull trout, a species that can area to fish for bull trout,” says Jeff are located in bull trout country. weigh five pounds or more. Unfortu- Perin, owner of The Fly Fisher’s Place For Perin, the benefits of the local nately, these trout are diminishing in in Sisters, Oregon, a business benefit- bull trout fishery are twofold. Bull number due to habitat loss, even as they ing from the local Metolius River bull trout anglers provide income above and grow in popularity as a gamefish. trout fishery. “I consider bull trout beyond his typical rainbow trout fishing To survive, the bull trout requires fishermen to be an important part of customers and, because the best bull extremely clean, cold water—a my business.” Perin notes that his store trout fishing opportunities are during commodity in increasingly short supply the winter, they also extend his profit- thanks to a variety of human activi- making season. That’s an important ties. Consequently, the bull trout was Potential income from consideration for small, seasonal and listed as threatened under the ESA in Bull trout anglers in tourism-dependent businesses such 1998 throughout its U.S. range, which Montana alone as sporting goods, fishing guides and includes California, Oregon, Idaho, ÿ $9.8 million to $12.1 million boat rentals. “Bull trout fishing takes Montana and Nevada. place mainly in my off season, so it’s an per year Despite its threatened status, limited important fishery for us,” says Perin. fishing for bull trout is permitted under Actions taken to recover bull trout a provision of the ESA that allows populations include improved stream such activity in areas where this fish is features an entire bin of flies specifically quality that will lead to decreased more common and carefully managed, for catching bull trout. In the business drinking water treatment costs for such as Hungry Horse Reservoir, Lake for 20 years, he has seen interest in bull communities and better habitat for Koocanusa and the South Fork Flat- trout fishing steadily rise. other economically valuable sport fish head River in Montana and Lake Billy A recent economic study found that live in the same streams and rivers. Chinook and the Metolius River in that a recovered bull trout fishery As bull trout recover across their range, Oregon. In these and other areas with would result in 218,000 to 295,500 the opportunities to bring additional sustainable opportunities to catch bull bull trout angling days per year within income to other communities near bull trout you will find anglers pursuing the Columbia River basin and 3,000 trout waters will increase as well.

 Conservation Pays: How Protecting Endangered and Threatened Species Makes Good Business Sense industry, you can drive along the docks a working dock and purchase fresh Pacific Salmon and see what’s left of these once-bustling salmon at a local market. salmon-related businesses. Still, the West of the Cascades, Issaquah, Columbia River salmon economy is Washington, a town about 20 miles west hanging on, and the potential to revital- of Seattle, has turned the mere presence ntire cultures and economies ize it is there—if dams are managed to of salmon into a profit center. Several have evolved around the salmon allow fish to pass more easily and logging important Puget Sound salmon spawn- and steelhead of the Pacific and grazing practices not detrimental to ing streams flow through the city, so in ENorthwest and the Columbia River fish habitat are adopted. 1970 when the community was looking basin stocks in particular. The impetus is there, too: Consumer to create a special event to boost tour- Today, 26 stocks of Pacific salmon preference for wild caught salmon over ism, the choice of a salmon celebration and steelhead, including 13 found in the farmed fish is growing. “There is a seemed obvious. Columbia, are listed under the ESA as tremendous market for wild salmon and The Issaquah Salmon Days Festival, either endangered or threatened.13 Over- that demand is making the value high,” timed to coincide with the annual fishing and the loss of the river, estuarine says Fick. Four years ago commercial salmon spawning run in early October, and ocean habitat essential to the salmon salmon producers were getting 20 or 30 is a four-day extravaganza that attracts life cycle contributed to their decline, cents per pound for coho salmon. Now as many as 200,000 people and brings but the primary cause in the Columbia it’s up to $1.25 per pound, and prized about $7.5 million to the community River Basin is the series of dams on the Columbia River chinook salmon is going each year, including more than $1.5 river and its tributaries that impede the for $1.35 per pound.9 million spent at the festival alone. passage of migrating fish. The commercial salmon industry About 2,000 local citizens volunteer to The Columbia’s salmon, which also also helps drive Astoria’s tourism help plan and run the event, donating range up and down the Pacific coast industry. Out-of-towners come to eat more than 12,600 hours of their time. during the ocean phase of their life at a seafood restaurant, sightsee along In addition, 67 nonprofit organizations history, continue to bring economic that support the community of Issaquah and cultural benefit to the people of also participate.10 the Pacific Northwest, but at a level far “Our community considers the reduced from what it once was. A 1996 Issaquah Salmon Days festival Issaquah Salmon Days Festival to be study estimated that if the Columbia ÿ Attracts roughly 200,000 visitors an important asset,” says the Issaquah River basin were still producing salmon ÿ Brings about $7.5 million to the Chamber of Commerce’s director of at mid-1800s levels, it would generate as community, including $1.5 million festivals Robin Kelley. The festival much as $507 million in personal income from the festival alone combines fun and opportunities to learn and create as many as 25,000 jobs. That’s more about Pacific salmon and the envi- considerably less than the 1976 to 1996 ronment. There’s live entertainment from average of $31.8 million created by the four stages, several hundred vendors who current Columbia River runs of two sell arts, crafts and food, a parade, golf million or fewer—a mere two to three tournament, activities for children and percent of historical production levels. booths for local nonprofit organizations. The difference is the equivalent of 23,760 Although most Salmon Days attend- lost family-wage jobs.8 Moreover, most ees are day visitors, the many vendors in of the current catch is hatchery-raised at town to sell their wares fill the hotels and hotography public expense. restaurants, giving local businesses an “Over the last 20 years, the overall ountain P additional boost. income of our residents has been propor- While it is unlikely that the Pacific /T igerays M tional to the size of the salmon runs,” salmon populations will ever return says Steve Fick, president of Fishhawk almon D to historical numbers, the sheer value uah S q ssa

Fisheries, a fish-processing business at , I of restoring them to sustainable the mouth of the Columbia River in uppet levels—estimated to be as much as $475

Astoria, Oregon. In this city largely built almon P million in the Columbia River basin 11 iant S on the salmon fishing and processing G alone—makes it well worth the effort.

defenders.org  Bald Eagles

ne of the Endangered Species Act’s major success stories, the bald eagle is a symbol of OAmerican freedom, strength and ideals. ildlife The physical features of this great bird— its impressive size and striking plum- efenders of W age—also make it a bird that Americans /D want to see and celebrate. As a result, for iriam S tein many communities blessed with eagle © M populations, this great raptor is a symbol of American economic prosperity. It is percent saying that eagle watching was Taylor points out that bald eagles are also an American success story. the primary reason they came. Nonresi- easy for casual observers to see because By 1963, the bald eagle population in dent eagle tourists spent more than $1.14 of their size and the fact that they don’t the lower 48 states had plummeted to million in the area that year, representing move around much in the winter in just 417 nesting pairs. In 1967, the bald a 21 percent increase in eagle tourism order to conserve energy. This means eagle was protected throughout much income since 1994.13 that eagle festivals and watches attract of the lower 48 states under a precur- In Iowa, the Clinton Eagle Watch tourists who are not necessarily dedicated sor to the ESA. Captive breeding and demonstrates how many small towns birders, thereby increasing the potential reintroduction programs, stepped up capitalize on their local wintering eagles “customer base.” According to Taylor, the law enforcement to curtail illegal killing to garner additional income. This annual benefits of having eagles in the commu- of eagles, habitat protection and the event offers a mix of programs and eagle nity goes beyond the festival. “The eagles banning of the pesticide DDT in 1972 watching tours and in 2006 generated are a source of community pride,” he resulted in its remarkable comeback. just under $57,560 to this community says, “and many community groups and Today there are 7,066 nesting eagle pairs of about 28,000 residents.14 “Another businesses use the eagle in their market- in the lower 48 states. eagle event, Quad City Bald Eagle Days, ing and advertising.” Communities situated on bald eagle attracts as many as 20,000 attendees15 An eagle festival held in Essex, migration routes or wintering areas have to an area that includes Davenport and Connecticut, each February is one of found fertile opportunities to celebrate Bettendorf, Iowa and Rock Island and a number of East Coast eagle events. the comeback of this great American Moline, Illinois. “We have had a long On the West Coast, one of the most bird while attracting significant tourism love affair with eagles,” says Joe Taylor, well-known eagle events is the Upper dollars. Eagle festivals and organized president of the Quad Cities Conven- Skagit Bald Eagle Festival, in Concrete, eagle watches are popular along the tion and Visitors Bureau, about this Washington, a small town that draws Mississippi River, where some 2,500 mid-January festival that marked its 40th an estimated 10,000 people to view the bald eagles spend the winter months anniversary in 2007. eagles that winter in the area. The festi- and tens of thousands of people come val, which attracts about 4,000 people, to view them.12 turns 21 in 2007.16 One example is Eagle Watching Eagle-related tourism in “The eagles bring in lots of day trip- Days, held in Sauk City and Prairie du pers to the community and a few who south-central Wisconsin (2004) Sac, Wisconsin, each January. The event stay on overnight,” says Vicki Johnson, ÿ Attracted 11,600 nonresidents— features a banquet, educational programs one of the festival board members. Many 78 percent mainly to see eagles about eagle biology and conservation, other communities in the United States entertainment, children’s activities, food ÿ Accounted for $1.14 million in are capitalizing on local eagle populations booths, tours and the opportunity to see direct expenditures to attract more tourist dollars to their live eagles. In 2004, about 11,600 people (food, lodging, etc.) areas, proving that one of America’s great- visited the area to see eagles, with 78 est birds is also great for local economies.

 Conservation Pays: How Protecting Endangered and Threatened Species Makes Good Business Sense instituted. By recent counts, there is one October, the aircraft lead them on the Whooping Cranes wild self-sustaining western population 1,000-mile flight to Florida where they of about 200 birds, 58 nonmigratory spend the winter months. Come fall, whoopers plus a reintroduced eastern the hope is that they will migrate north migratory flock of 40 in Florida, and again on their own, swelling the ranks ach September, North America’s another 125 birds distributed among of the reintroduced eastern migratory largest wading bird is the star of eight captive-breeding program sites.17 population. The Whooping Crane and Wild- One of those sites, Necedah National The residents of the village of Nece- Elife Festival, a great example of how Wildlife Refuge, serves as a flight school dah and the staff of the wildlife refuge local people have combined support for for young Florida-bound cranes. The put on the first festival marking the an endangered species recovery program refuge encompasses 43,656 acres of departing fall flight of whooping cranes with a festival that has helped put their marshes and ponds in central Wisconsin, in 2000. Five hundred people showed community on the map and additional a state that historically was one of the up. By 2002 it had grown to about income in the bank. whoopers’ summer homes. From late 3,600 attendees from 15 states and eight Few species have been closer to June to early July, young captive-bred foreign countries. In 2005, about 4,000 the cliff of extinction than whoop- birds hatched at other sites are brought people were on hand for the party. ing cranes. Named for their throaty, to the refuge and trained to follow Visitors hailed from 23 states and as far “whooping” call, an estimated 1,400 ultra-light aircraft. Beginning in early away as New Zealand and Russia. More of these birds lived throughout North than a quarter of the attendees stay in America in the middle of the 19th the area for more than one day, spend- century. But by 1942, due largely to ing money locally on motels, camp- hunting and the loss of wetlands to Whooping Crane Festival, grounds, restaurants and shopping.18 farming and development, only 15 indi- Necedah, Wisconsin (2005) The festival now consistently brings viduals survived. The whooping crane ÿ Drew about 4,000 people to in more than $40,000 each year, an was designated as endangered through- this village of less than 900 important economic shot in the arm out its range in 1967 under the law that ÿ Accounted for an additional for a community of fewer than 900 preceded the ESA. $42,610 in revenue residents.19 “The festival has definitely To save this bird from its precarious helped our economy and put Nece- perch, a captive-breeding program was dah on the map both nationally and internationally,” says Dave Arnold, the festival’s general chairman. “Had they not selected Necedah for the whoop- ing crane program, a lot of people here would have been very disappointed.” Publicity about the whooping crane program has also increased visitation to the refuge by people who want to see the birds and who spend their money at area businesses. The refuge hosts about 150,000 visitors each year.20 The town of Port Aransas, Texas, where another wild flock of whooping cranes spends the winter, has been hold- ing its own festival each February since 1996. Billed as the Annual Celebration of Whooping Cranes and Other Birds, it features excursions to see the cranes in the wild. A number of Port Aransas tour operators offer guided whooping

U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE crane viewing trips as well.

defenders.org  for a total economic multiplier effect of Shorebirds $12 million to $20 million.24 “We encourage birders to wear their binoculars around and tell business owners that they are there to see the shorebirds,” says Pat Sutton, program director for the New Jersey Audubon Society’s Cape May Bird Observa- tory. “Local businesses are aware of the economic contribution the birders make.” Coastal preserves, refuges and nature centers also attract shorebird watch- ers and their dollars. “Shorebirds are a large draw for us,” says Pete Bacinski, director of the Sandy Hook Bird Observatory, which offers birding tours throughout the area. A study conducted between 1993 and 1994 in Massachusetts on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge—a favorite spot for viewing nots © doug wechsler/VIREO ed K

R piping plovers and other shorebirds in winter—found that most visitors came andy Hook, New Jersey, boasts One of the hottest viewing areas is specifically to watch birds and estimated one of the East Coast’s largest on New Jersey’s Delaware Bay, where that refuge visitors annually contribute piping plover nesting colonies thousands of migrating shorebirds stop between $609,000 and $1.5 million to Sand attracts droves of people who come to eat the eggs deposited on the beach by the area’s economy.25 specifically to see these diminutive horseshoe crabs each year between late Shorebird watching and its economic birds. Listed as threatened in 1985— April and early May. These birds, the at- benefits are not confined to the East and now endangered in some parts of risk red knot among them, attract hordes Coast. Communities on the West Coast their range—the piping plover belongs of birders from all over the world who also recognize the birds’ value for attract- to the shorebird family. Shorebirds are ing visitors. The Long Beach Peninsula revered by the dedicated birders who Visitors Bureau in Washington state, for travel the world’s beaches, estuaries and ESTIMATED economic example, promotes birding, including mudflats to see them. impact of birdwatchers shorebird watching, on its Web site and Birding in general is big business visiting Delaware Bay recommends local charter boat operators these days, but shorebird watchers are that offer birding tours. for spring shorebird the high rollers of the breed, spending Considering the money birders migration more than four times more on bird- contribute to local economies, any ing equipment than generalist birders. ÿ $5.6 million to $9.3 million community with shorebirds in the vicin- Anywhere large concentrations of per year ity has reason to celebrate—and many plovers, pipers and other shorebirds do. San Diego, California; Clearwater, gather, you will also find flocks of Florida; Grand Isle, Louisiana; Ocean shorebird watchers, binoculars around spend between $2.8 million and $4.6 City, Maryland; Hoquiam, Washington; their necks, wallets in their pockets. million in the bay area. The total impact, Great Bend, Kansas; Homer, Alaska; For example, an estimated 390,000 as that money circulates through the Milton, Delaware; and Kiptopeke, birders visit New Jersey to view shore- economy, is $5.6 million to $9.3 million Virginia, are just a few of the communi- birds each year.21 Another 74,000 travel annually.23 Throughout the year, shore- ties that hold annual birding festivals to neighboring Delaware to watch these bird watchers spend between $6 million featuring shorebirds. coastal birds.22 and $10 million on bay-area birding trips,

 Conservation Pays: How Protecting Endangered and Threatened Species Makes Good Business Sense in 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt Refuge harbors a relatively robust popu- Louisiana Black Bears refused to shoot a Louisiana black lation, making Franklin, located just that others had captured and tied to south of the refuge, the perfect place to a tree. A newspaper cartoonist drew a honor the rare bear with a festival. caricature of the incident with “Teddy’s “We use the festival as a building nce upon a time, many folks Bear” represented as a fuzzy stuffed crea- block to get people to appreciate the in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, ture, and teddy bears were born. Louisiana black bear and as a tourism considered the Louisiana The incident was a boon to toymakers, promotion tool,” says festival manager Oblack bear a nuisance. But that changed but did little to benefit Louisiana black Laura Goulas. In 2001, wildlife watching when residents of Franklin, the parish bears. Populations stayed low through in Louisiana had a total economic effect seat, joined forces with the Black Bear the ensuing decades. By 1992, when the of nearly $370 million, and the festival’s Conservation Committee, a group federal government proposed adding it to organizers see great potential. The 5,000 of loggers, farmers, conservationists, the threatened species list, habitat destruc- to 7,000 people who attend the festival government officials, researchers and tion and human-caused mortality from learn about the bear through seminars others instrumental in devising a recov- poaching and motor-vehicle collisions had and displays and enjoy shopping for ery plan for this threatened bear. In an reduced their numbers to a few hundred.26 arts and crafts, food booths, activities, effort to protect the bear and rally the Today, with ESA protection Louisiana a parade for children and more.27 The community, they created the Bayou black bears are making an impressive event has been turning a profit since day Teche Bear Festival, an annual April comeback. Bayou Teche National Wildlife one. The secret is to offer something for affair the Louisiana Association of everyone. “Whether you have $100 in Fairs and Festivals named “best new your pocket or $1, you can have a good event” in 2004. Louisiana black bear time,” says Goulas. The Louisiana black bear, a subspe- festival attendance Other towns in Louisiana black bear cies of the , once ÿ Bayou Teche Bear Festival country have joined in the fun. In Roll- ranged throughout the bottomland (Louisiana): 5,000 to 7000 ing Forks, Mississippi, in the heart of hardwood forests of eastern Texas, Loui- ÿ Great Delta Bear Affair Louisiana black bear country, the Great siana, Mississippi and southern Arkan- Delta Bear Affair entices as many as sas. By the turn of the 20th century, most (Mississippi): 6,000 6,000 people to take in wildlife educa- were gone. On a hunting expedition tion seminars, tour nearby wild areas, explore Indian mounds and learn about Louisiana black bear conservation. A new event is the “wildlife Olympics” for kids that involves both physical and academic activities.28 With Delta National Forest and Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge nearby, Rolling Springs and Sharkey County have excellent wildlife viewing oppor- tunities and the festival is helping to get the word out. “We’re positioning ourselves as a wildlife tourism destina- tion and the festival is great publicity,” says festival coordinator Meg Cooper. As the population of Louisiana black bears increases, so will bear-viewing opportunities and the tourism dollars wildlife watchers bring to communities near good bear habitat. U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

defenders.org  items account for more than 20 percent of Southern Sea Otters sales at the aquarium’s gift shop.30 While visitors can watch sea otters from shore, and even from the windows of dockside restaurants, many people want to get closer to these animals. A number of local outfitters serve this market. “When we rent kayaks, a leading question customers ask us is where the best place is to see otters,” says Anjanette Adams, general manager of Monterey Bay Kayaks. She adds that sea otters are so widely associated with Monterey Bay that tourists are virtually “pre-programmed” to want to see one when they visit. Whale-watching tour operators are also including opportunities for their custom- ers to observe sea otters as interest in these animals has grown. As the sea otter population expands along the coast adjacent to Santa Barbara

© FRANS LANTING/MINDEN pictures and Ventura counties, economists predict sea-otter-related tourism will provide an f you asked visitors to California’s hope of seeing these animals floating and additional 60 to 320 jobs and an addi- coast to name the animal they most frolicking in the bay and surf. tional income of $1.5 to $8.2 million, not associate with the region, most would “We talk a lot about the sea otter as an including any multiplier effects as those probablyI say it is the southern sea otter. icon,” says Ken Peterson of the Monterey income dollars circulate throughout the This symbol of the near-shore ocean Bay Aquarium. “They are huge as a visible community. Southern sea otters also environment is widely familiar to the symbol of the California coast and play provide a number of economically impor- American public and drives a significant a major role in people deciding to come tant nonmarket services. Based on what number of tourists to visit California’s here to visit.” Peterson notes that the sea Californians say they are willing to pay oceanside communities, making an otter exhibit is one of the Monterey Bay to have sea otters along their coast, that important economic contribution to Aquarium’s most popular. value is as much as $21.4 million.31 those destinations. Evidence of the sea otter’s popularity Sea otters play a critical ecological Once ranging along the West Coast is apparent throughout the Monterey Bay role as well. By controlling sea urchin from Washington to Mexico, southern area, where their image adorns everything populations that feed on kelp, they help sea otters were nearly extirpated by the from banners and T-shirts to mugs and keep kelp forests healthy. Properly func- mid-1800s, primarily due to the relent- posters. Sea-otter-related gift and souvenir tioning kelp forests provide ecological less efforts of fur hunters. Listing as services valued at about $7,600 per acre threatened under the ESA in 1977 helped per year. These include erosion reduc- bring the southern sea otter population Projected Tourism-related tion, habitat for mussels, clams and other up to current levels, which over the last benefits of California sea invertebrates and a number of species three years averaged 2,751 otters—just 17 otter population expansion of fish, and carbon storage that can help percent of the estimated historical popula- in Santa Barbara and Ventura reduce global warming. 29 tion of 16,000. counties If southern sea otters are permitted For the city of Monterey and its to expand their numbers and range to ÿ 60 to 320 jobs environs, the sea otter serves as an unof- their biological capacity throughout the ÿ $1.5 million to $8.2 million in ficial mascot and, according to some local California coastal environment, more outfitters, attracts a significant number additional income than $100 million in additional economic of people who come specifically with the benefit could be realized.

10 Conservation Pays: How Protecting Endangered and Threatened Species Makes Good Business Sense many more would like to.34 As a result, winter was a slow time of year for many Gray Wolves local wildlife-watching businesses have tour operators. With the growing interest adapted to serve the growing demand to in wolf viewing, tour operators are able view wolves in the wild, which includes to extend their income-generating season couples willing to pay $1,000 or more for through the winter. The Sinays, for exam- rior to the mid-1990s, the remote a two-day guided excursion. ple, have recently increased the number of Lamar Valley was one of the One such business is Yellowstone their winter wolf tours by 50 percent. less-visited parts of Yellowstone Safari Company, based in Bozeman, They, like other tour operators, also PNational Park. Today, the valley bustles Montana. “Wolves fit into our business book cabins and motel rooms for their with visitors because it is the best place to really well,” says Susi Sinay, who co-owns guests, spreading the economic benefits see the animals that are the second biggest the company with her husband, Ken. The of wolf watching to other local businesses. draw for park-goers after grizzly bears: Sinays actively plugged wolf watching on “We really feel the wolves are a major gray wolves. Wolves were reintroduced their Web site. As word got around that economic benefit,” says Sinay. “We have in Yellowstone National Park in 1995 Yellowstone had wolves, customers began more income and that means we can hire and 1996. In 2005, about 90,000 people to call specifically about wolf-viewing. more employees.” visited the Greater Yellowstone Area “The wolf is a very special animal that Wolves in the upper Midwest also specifically to see wolves.32 people want to see,” she says. mean black ink on the balance sheet. Not so long ago, except for several Wolves are easiest to observe during One third of the tourists who visit Ely, small populations in the upper Midwest, the winter months, typically from Minnesota, stop at the International wolves were nowhere to be seen in the November through January. Before Wolf Center. The center’s retail store lower 48 states. By the 1930s, gray wolves wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone, generated $120,000 in net revenues in were all but extirpated, victims of a 2004 that eventually made its way into U.S. government-sponsored eradication the local community. The center brings campaign. Gradually attitudes toward Wolves in the in as much as $3 million per year to Ely wolves changed and their ecological and provides nearly 70 jobs in tourism Yellowstone area (2005) value was recognized. Currently there are and related businesses.35 ÿ Drew an additional 90,000 visitors protections for gray wolf populations in As wolves continue to establish them- to Yellowstone National Park the northern Rockies and the Southwest, selves in the West, more and more rural and the Great Lakes population has ÿ Generated direct expenditures of communities will find—as 70 percent of recently recovered. $35 million residents surveyed in the Greater Yellow- Today, in addition to their vital and ÿ Had a total economic impact of stone Area did—that the economic valued role as a top predator, recent stud- $70 million benefits of these animals far outweigh ies have found that wolves are an impor- any drawbacks.36 tant economic driver as well. Yellowstone’s 90,000 wolf watchers, for example, added nearly $35 million in additional income to businesses in the region of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming that surrounds the national park, including gas stations, hotels, restaurants, guide services and car and equipment rentals along with increased sales of wolf T-shirts, stuffed toy wolves, books about wolves and other wolf-related souvenirs. As these “wolf dollars” circulate through communities, they leverage the total economic impact to about $70 million per year33–definitely something to howl about. An estimated 151,000 people per year see wolves in the Yellowstone area and

defenders.org 11 Manatees

umpy and homely, the manatee has a potato face that just about everybody seems to love, and Lpeople from throughout the United States—and even the world—travel to

Florida just to see it. Those visitors spend ics . com P more than $20 million each year at two ea

Florida manatee-viewing hotspots. errine /S Manatees range from Virginia to oug P © D Texas, but are concentrated mainly in Florida during the winter months. These from nearby residents who come specifi- from all over the world patronize the slow-moving and gentle herbivores live cally to see manatees. business, including one couple from in slack-water rivers, coastal areas and Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Tokyo, who made a three-day whirlwind saltwater bays. Vulnerable to motor- Park, which features the “Fish Bowl,” a trip to Crystal Springs just for a manatee boats, a significant number of mana- floating observatory that allows visitors tour. A number of other dive shops and tees are killed each year in collisions, an underwater view of manatees and kayak rental businesses also cater to although habitat loss is the primary other aquatic life, attracts large numbers manatee watchers. And the Manatee Toy reason they were listed as endangered of manatee enthusiasts as well. The Company sells “products for manatee throughout their range in 1967. park receives nearly 170,000 visits from lovers of all ages.” Currently, only about 3,000 West Indian out-of-county residents yearly. Direct Crystal River, a small out-of-the-way manatees remain in the United States.37 expenditures by those visitors are about community of about 3,500 people, has There are two primary locations in $13.6 million. The 206 tourism-related capitalized on the unique and special- Florida where the public can see mana- jobs created produce a local payroll of ized business opportunity the presence tees with relative ease: Blue Spring State more than $3.1 million.38 of manatees offers. “The manatees are Park north of Orlando and Homosassa Local entrepreneurs have learned the reason people come to visit Crystal Springs Wildlife State Park on the Gulf how to cash in on all this interest in River,” says Oestreich. Coast north of Tampa. The manatees manatees. For example, Bill and Diane The story is the same from the tend to concentrate at these springs Oestreich, owners of Birds Underwa- perspective of Jann Snellings, curator during the winter, attracted to water ter in Crystal River, have been taking of the Manatee Observation and temperatures warmer than in nearby people on manatee viewing and snorkel- Education Center, situated on a tradi- rivers and bays. That concentration of ing tours since the late 1980s. People tional manatee migration route at manatees attracts a concentration of Fort Pierce on Florida’s east coast. She money-spending tourists as well. is constantly surprised by how many “Manatees are huge at Blue Spring people come to the center from all over State Park,” says park biologist Meg Manatee watching in TWo the world to see manatees. Keserauskis. “Visitors ask about seeing Florida state parks (2002) “Manatees contribute a lot to the manatees all the time.” About 200 ÿ Attracted 389,244 out-of- economy,” she says. “Visitors come to manatees spend the winter at the park, county visitors the center because we are listed in the which offers observation decks for ÿ Generated $23.6 million in guidebooks and they know they can see viewing. The park receives nearly direct expenditures manatees here.” In addition to their clear 220,000 visitors yearly from outside the ÿ Accounted for wage income economic contribution, manatees also county who spend about $10 million of $2.38 million benefit local communities by controlling and create 174 directly related jobs for a ÿ Created 380 jobs aquatic weeds and mosquitoes, assisting payroll of nearly $2.4 million. In addi- in nutrient recycling and serving as an tion, the park draws many day-visits indicator of overall ecosystem health.

12 Conservation Pays: How Protecting Endangered and Threatened Species Makes Good Business Sense Humpback Whales udd T itlow /NATUREGRAPHS © B

pod of humpback whales season, providing local tour operators generates in excess of $16 million in spouting in the waters of the and other businesses that serve the boat-excursion ticket sales. Total annual Hawaiian Islands was once the tourist trade with additional economic expenditures on other tourist services signalA for factory whaling ships bristling opportunities. That translates into more by some 448,000 whale watchers is esti- with harpoons to ready their fire. Today, than $11 million in tickets purchased mated at $19 to $27 million.41 the boats plying Hawaii’s waters are by 370,00 people for humpback-whale- According to Dan McSweeney, filled with tourists thrilled by the pros- watching excursions each year. More owner of Kona-based Dan McSweeney’s pect of seeing these most acrobatic of than 50 boats and 270 jobs are dedi- Whale Watching Adventures, the the great whales and readily depositing cated to the humpback-whale-watching popularity of humpback whales among millions of dollars into the cash registers business from the time the whales arrive the public stems from all the publicity of local businesses. in Hawaiian waters in winter to their and media attention they have received Originally protected in 1970 under departure in late April. In addition, over the years coupled with the fact a 1969 precursor to the ESA, hump- some 62,000 visitors take whale-watch- that they can be seen from the Hawai- back whales are listed as endangered ing snorkeling trips, adding another ian coastline. That visibility often throughout all U.S. coastal waters after $4.5 million to the pot.40 motivates visitors to buy tickets for a being hunted by commercial whal- Each year, the entire whale-watching whale-watching cruise and the promise ers nearly to extinction by the 1960s. industry in Hawaii, including viewing of seeing whales close-up. Current threats to the world’s popula- the smaller whale species and dolphins, McSweeney has no complaints tion of 30,000 to 40,000 humpback that the humpbacks show up during whales—representing about 30 percent Hawaii’s winter “gravy season” because of the historical population—include Humpback whale Watching it means that he and other whale watch- illegal whaling, entanglement in drift ing tour providers have a ready-made in Hawaii (1998-1999) 39 and gill nets and marine pollution. ÿ Attracted 370,000 participants customer base of vacationing tourists Fortunately, tourism is serving as an rather than having to spend money ÿ Occupied 52 boats and impetus for protecting them. on advertising to attract them to the created 277 jobs The humpback whales’ mid-Decem- islands specifically to see whales. “A lot ber arrival in their coastal Hawaiian ÿ Generated $11.2 million in of people here capitalize on the hump- winter feeding grounds dovetails boat ticket sales back whales and the revenue they gener- perfectly with the islands’ tourist high ate,” he says. “It’s a win-win situation.”

defenders.org 13 Conclusion ...species protected under the ESA are a valuable economic asset.

hether it’s snorkeling the coral reefs and jobs. They can even make an animal part of the of the Florida Keys, watching wolves community “brand,” bringing recognition and visi- in Yellowstone in winter, or cheering tors who may not otherwise come. And they can help onW the giant salmon float at a small-town parade, save species from sliding into oblivion in the process. Americans care about wildlife and are willing to put The success stories highlighted in this report money—big money—where their hearts are. make it clear that species protected under the ESA As we have seen in these pages, entrepreneurs and are a valuable economic asset. Conservation pays, civic leaders who recognize this economic potential and resource managers and policy makers should can attract tourists and fashion profitable businesses pay attention, so that America’s people and natural based on local wildlife resources, generating cash heritage can prosper together. dministration tmospheric A ceanic and A ational O lkhorn coral/N iver and E D Endnotes

1. Johns, G.M., V.R. Leeworthy, F.W. Bell and M.A. Bonn. 14. Schmidt, A., Clinton Community College. 2003. Socioeconomic Study of Reefs in Southeast Florida 2000- Personal communication, June 28, 2006. 2001: Final Report.” Final report submitted to Broward 15. Taylor, J., Quad Cities Convention and Visitors County, Palm Beach County, Miami-Dade County, Monroe Bureau. Personal communication. August 24, 2006. County, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation. http:// www.marineeconomics.noaa.gov/Reefs/02-01.pdf 16. Johnson, V., Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Festival. Personal communication. August 25, 2006. 2. Ibid. 17. Journey North, Whooping Crane Total Population 3. United Nations Environment Programme, World Conservation (Figures as of June 2006) [on-line]; available from Monitoring Centre. 2006. In the front line: shoreline protection and http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/crane/PopulTotals.html other ecosystem services from mangroves and coral reefs. Cambridge, UK. 33pp. http://www.unep.org/pdf/infrontline_06.pdf 18. Arnold, D., General Chairman, Necedah Whooping Crane and Wildlife Festival. Personal communication. August 24, 2006. 4. Talbot, F. and Wilkinson, C. 1999. Coral Reefs, Mangroves and Seagrasses: A sourcebook for managers. 19. Ibid. Australian Institute of Marine Sciences, Townsville. 20. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Necedah National Wildlife 5. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Census Bureau. Refuge [on-line]; available from www.fws.gov/midwest/Necedah/ 2003. 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife- 21. U.S. Fish and Wildlife and U.S. Census Bureau. 2003. Associated Recreation: Montana. Washington, D.C. 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife- 6. American Sportfishing Association. 2006. State and national Associated Recreation: New Jersey. Washington, D.C. economic impacts of fishing, hunting, and wildlife-related recreation 22. U.S. Fish and Wildlife and U.S. Census Bureau (2003). on U.S. Forest Service-managed lands. Report prepared for Wildlife, 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife- Fish, and Rare Plants, U.S. Forest Service, January 23, 2006. Associated Recreation: Delaware. Washington, D.C. 7. American Sportfishing Association. 2002. Sportfishing 23. Eubanks, T.L., J.R. Stoll and P. Kerlinger. 2000. Wildlife- in America. http//www.asafishing.org/asa/images/ Associated Recreation on the New Jersey Delaware Bayshore. Report statistics/economic_impact_eco_impact.pdf prepared for New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. 8. The Institute for Fisheries Resources. 1996. The 24. Ibid. Cost of Doing Nothing: The Economic Burden of Salmon Declines in the Columbia River Basin. 25. Gilbert, L.A., E.F. Jansen Jr., J.M. Halstead, and R.A. Robertson. 1994. Economic and Social Impact of the Parker River 9. Fick, S., Fishhawk Fisheries. Personal National Wildlife Refuge and its Piping Plover Management communication. September 7, 2006. Program. New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment 10. Kelly, R., Issaquah Chamber of Commerce. Station, University of New Hampshire, Durham. Personal communication. August 30, 2006. 26. Bowker, B. and T. Jacobson. 1995. Louisiana Black Bear (Ursus 11. The Institute for Fisheries Resources. 1996. The americanus luteolus) Recovery Plan. Prepared for the Southeast Cost of Doing Nothing: The Economic Burden of Region. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, Georgia. Salmon Declines in the Columbia River Basin. 27. Goulas, L., Bayou Teche Bear Festival. Personal 12. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Natural Resource communication. August 24, 2006. Management Section, Rock Island District. Bald Eagle Days [on- 28. Cooper, M., Great Delta Bear Affair. Personal line]; available from www.mvr.usace.army.mil/missriver/ communication. August 25, 2006. 13. Hall, K. 2005. The Ecological Needs and Economic Benefits of 29. U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center. Bald Eagles Wintering in South Central Wisconsin. Master’s Thesis, Spring Counts of Southern Sea Otters, 1983-2006 [online]; available University of Wisconsin, Department of Wildlife Ecology. from http://www.werc.usgs.gov/otters/ca-surveydata.html

defenders.org 15 30. Aldrich, K., J. Curtis and S. Drucker. 2001. A Cost-Benefit Analysis 36. Stark, M. UM economist: Wolves a big moneymaker. of Public Law 99-625: Sea Otter Shellfish Conflicts in Santa Barbara and Billingsgazette.com. April 7, 2006 Ventura Counties. Group Thesis, Donald Bren School of Environmental 37. Save the Manatee Club. Manatee Facts [on-line]; available Science and Management, University of California-Santa Barbara. from http://www.savethemanatee.org/manfcts.htm 31. Loomis, J. 2006. Economic recreation and existence 38. Bonn, M and F. Bell. 2003. Economic Impact of Selected values of sea otter expansion in California using benefit Florida Springs on Surrounding Local Areas. Report prepared transfer. Coastal Management. 34(4): 387-404. for Florida Department of Environmenatl Protection, 32. Duffield, J.W. 2006. Wolves and people in Yellowstone. Division of State Lands, Florida Springs Task Force. Presentation given at 18th Annual North American Wolf Conference, 39. American Cetacean Society. Fact Sheet: Humpback Whale [on-line]; Chico Hot Springs, Pray, Montana, April 4-7, 2006. available from http://www.acsonline.org/factpack/humpback.htm 33. Ibid. 40. Hoyt, E. 2001. “Whale Watching 2001: Worldwide tourism numbers 34. Stark, Mike. “UM economist: Wolves a big expenditures, and expanding socioeconomic benefits.” International moneymaker.” Billingsgazette.com. April 7, 2006 Fund for Animal Welfare, Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts.

35. The Partnership. Wolf Ecotourism Fact Sheet: Conserving 41. Utech, D. 1999. Valuing Hawaii’s Humpback Whales: Wildlife and Boosting Local Economies [on-line]; avaialable from The economic impact of humpbacks on Hawaii’s ocean http://www.biodiversitypartners.org/econ/report/ecotourism_fs.shtml tour boat industry. Report prepared for Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

16 Conservation Pays: How Protecting Endangered and Threatened Species Makes Good Business Sense Defenders of Wildlife 1130 17th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036-4604 202.682.9400 www.defenders.org