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Marine turtle species in the Asia-Pacific region face loss of habitat, population decline and serious risk of extinction. Understanding the associated loss in human welfare can motivate conservation finance, policy reforms and other actions to protect and restore marine turtle populations. This paper estimates non-use values for marine turtles in the Asia-Pacific region using a large-sample (n = 7765) global household survey. The survey focused on six countries in the region (China, Fiji, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam) but received responses from over 80 countries in total. A discrete choice experiment was used to elicit willingness-to-pay (WTP) for marine turtles, defined in terms of population trends (increasing, stable or declining) and species diversity (avoided extinctions). We find that a high proportion of households (82%) expressed a positive WTP for turtle conservation, and that the donation amounts are substantial. The median WTP for ensuring stable marine turtle populations, adjusted for demographic differences between the survey sample and the general population, is estimated at US $79 per household per year. A scenario analysis is used to estimate the economic welfare changes that would result from policy inaction (in which turtle populations continue to decline and two species become extinct) versus strong policy action (resulting in increasing turtle populations and no extinctions). The welfare loss that results from not acting is estimated to be US $40 billion per year, whereas the potential welfare gain from taking policy action to conserve, manage and protect marine turtles is estimated at US $55 billion per year. These results present a strong economic justification for governments across the region to align their environmental policies and budgets with Asia-Pacific peoples' stated WTP for turtle conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on climate change and fishing presenting dual threats. Topics include important to the homeostasis of the Earth system exhibiting distinctive marine biodiversity and having tremendous scientific impact; and climate regulation and oxygen production through the primary production of seasonal phytoplankton blooms.

This paper aims to understand the fish consumption patterns in northwestern Cambodia and to identify the key challenges in the fisheries value chain, and how to overcome these challenges for the sustainable development of Cambodia's fisheries sector. In Cambodia, fisheries resources are abundant, while value addition to fishery products is limited given that fish is a perishable food product which requires proper handling soon after harvesting. A survey was conducted with various stakeholders like fish wholesalers, retailers, consumers, government officials and processors in Battambang and Siem Reap provinces, in northwestern Cambodia. Nine key challenges within the postharvest fish supply value chain were identified as barriers posing threats to fishery products and limiting the market competitiveness of Cambodian fishery products. Technological issues -i.e. processing, packaging, preservation-, market access and raw fish supply deficiencies accounted for more than 60% of the challenges raised by respondents from the beginning of the supply chain (fishers) to consumers. Consequently, investment in infrastructure development, cost-effective technology and training, innovative solutions on processing techniques (drying, smoking and fermenting), and secure access to markets were recommended to improve the fish supply chain and increase the competitiveness of Cambodian fishery products in domestic and international markets. Further investigation on product diversification, branding and cost-effective innovative processing techniques should be carried out to create opportunities and value addition to Cambodian fishery products. A supportive policy instrument is also necessary for the sustainable growth of Cambodia's fisheries sector. • Fisheries are Cambodian traditional staple and vital to nutrition and food security. • Market survey was conducted to investigate the situation of fishery value chain. • Nine challenges raised by stakeholders as barriers to the postharvest development. • Investment on infrastructure, innovative technology, supportive policies are needed. • Research on governance and product diversification increase fishery value chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]