ECONOMIC-ANALYSIS OF AN ESTUARINE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM - THE ALBEMARLE-PAMLICO SYSTEM

As part of the National Estuary Program, the extensive 5-year Albemarl e-Pamlico Estuarine Study was recently concluded. The resultant Compre hensive Conservation and Management Plan was designed to maintain the ecological integrity of the estuary through long-term planning and man agement. One of the components of this plan is the consideration of hu man dimensions of the Albemarle-Pamlico system, including benefits and costs for present and future generations. This article presents an ec onomic efficiency analysis of the proposed management plan. Under plau sible conditions and reasonable data for benefits and costs, it appear s that the management plan would be an efficient government program if the negative externalities associated with economic growth of the Alb emarle-Pamlico region are controlled.