NOAA: U.S. Values Hawaii Reefs at $33.57 Billion

Americans peg the value of coral reefs around the main Hawaiian Islands at $33.57 billion, according to a study commissioned by the federal government.

Officials frequently cite coral reefs as being vital to tourism and other industries, so the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration asked researchers to study the issue.

Researchers surveyed 3,200 Americans, asking them how much of their taxes they would want devoted to hypothetical initiatives to improve Hawaii’s reefs.Researchers estimated the average American household would be willing to have $287.62 of its taxes spent on protecting Hawaii’s reefs.

Topics USA Aerospace