{"id":12788,"date":"2023-12-21T09:45:27","date_gmt":"2023-12-21T14:45:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/?page_id=12788"},"modified":"2024-02-29T11:20:49","modified_gmt":"2024-02-29T16:20:49","slug":"water-quality-economic-study","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/water-quality-economic-study\/","title":{"rendered":"Water Quality Study"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t

Clean water vital to economy of Southwest Florida<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"WQ\n\t

Learn more from our partners at sccf.org<\/a> and captainsforcleanwater.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t

In-Depth Economic Analysis by Greene Economics<\/h4>\n

To address growing concerns around the health and vitality of our waterways, Captains for Clean Water, Conservancy of Southwest Florida, and Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation enlisted Greene Economics to conduct a thorough analysis of the economic repercussions of degraded water quality.<\/p>\n

This pivotal study aims to translate the ecological impact into tangible economic figures, offering a clearer perspective on the stakes involved.<\/p>\n

The study also shines light on how good water quality has a positive economic impact and that projects and policies that improve water quality will pay off through a more robust economy.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tExecutive Summary\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tFull Report\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Aerial\n\t\t

\n\t\t\tThe importance of Clean Water\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t

Southwest Florida’s allure and prosperity are deeply rooted in water. Within the counties of Charlotte, Lee, and Collier, our region’s economic and ecological well-being hinges on the health of these waters. Clean and healthy water bodies not only support diverse wildlife but also fuel key economic activities, reinforcing the area’s desirability as a tourist destination and a place to call home.<\/p>\n\t

The threat of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)<\/h4>\n

In recent times, the tranquility and health of these waters have been marred by harmful algal blooms. Such events, particularly severe in 2018, disrupted local industries, marred the natural beauty, and raised alarming concerns about the ecological future of the region. These blooms serve as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between nature and human activities.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t

\n\t\t\tAnnual Economic Losses from HAB Event\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t$5B\n\t\t\t\t\tCoastal economic losses\n\t\t$18B\n\t\t\t\t\tProperty value losses\n\t\t43K\n\t\t\t\t\tCoastal economy jobs lost\n\t\t$460M\n\t\t\t\t\tCommercial & recreational fishing losses\n\t

Revealing Alarming Economic Consequences<\/h4>\n

The study’s findings paint a grim picture of the potential economic fallout of poor water quality. A repeat of the catastrophic HAB events witnessed in 2005\/6 and 2018 could lead to a substantial downturn in key economic sectors. The fishing industry could lose over $460 million, while the broader economy might suffer a $5.2 billion setback. Furthermore, the region could face a drastic decline in property values, job losses in the tens of thousands, and significant reductions in outdoor recreation values.<\/p>\n\t

Watch the January 16 joint press conference<\/h5>\n\t