The value of information for water quality management in the North Sea

Project Title: The value of information for water quality management in the North Sea Collaborating GEO-BENE partners: Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Background

The study addresses the added value of satellite observation for Dutch water quality management in the North Sea. Information regarding the temporal and geographical spread of eutrophication processes and early warning information regarding potential outbreaks of algal bloom is expected to generate economic value as it reduces potential damages and improves targeting of water management decision-making.

Data

The study uses a questionnaire to consult stakeholders (27 senior policy makers, water managers and researchers) about their expectations regarding the contribution of satellite-base information to water quality management in the North sea.

Methods

Bayesian Decision Theory, interviews, questionnaire

Results

The results indicate that the expected welfare impact of investing in satellite observation is positive, but that outcomes depend on the accuracy of the information system and the range of informational benefits perceived

Status

The Journal of Environmental Management (JEM) has just approved, with minor revisions, a paper presenting the main results. Fig. 1 The value of information as a function of the sizes of Type I and Type II errors.