How ecosystem services are measured and why it matters for Florida

Abstract

Florida has many ecosystems that are thought of as especially important such as springs, coasts, dry prairies, and the Everglades. One of the ways importance is measured is through value. The term ecosystem services describes the benefits ecosystems and their components provide humans. This publication describes some of the ways to measure ecosystem services and explains how the different approaches to assess ecosystems might be selected, depending on what is most important to the user. This publication should help Extension and outreach agents, as well as agency personnel better understand ecosystem services values and explain them to the public. It should also help interested members of the public who wish to learn more about ecosystem services for themselves.

Understanding metrics for communicating the economic value of Florida’s fisheries and coastal resources

“…However, non-market value could be assigned to something like a rare darter, sunfish, or minnow species that is not actually fished for, but whose existence fishers (and the broader public) nevertheless value. Ecosystem service values are quantified in many different ways (see Wallace et al 2023), and are certainly related to fisheries, though one generally does not calculate an ecosystem service value of a fishery per se. For example, commercial fisheries can be considered as part of the provisioning services that provide food, and so commercial fisheries contribute to the overall services provided by an ecosystem like the Gulf of Mexico.…”

Climate Change: Effects on Salinity in Florida’s Estuaries and Responses of Oysters, Seagrass, and Other Animal and Plant Life

“…In addition, the seagrasses and mangroves around estuaries offer habitat for millions of birds and other animals while providing critical human services like stabilizing shorelines and cleaning water (Smyth et al 2022). These are just a few of the many benefits that coastal habitats like estuaries provide to Florida's people (Wallace et al 2023). One of the main reasons these areas are so valuable is because they are where fresh and saltwater meet.…”