How much is wildlife tourism worth? N.C. survey targets coastal bird and sea turtle watchers

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - North Carolina’s coast draws visitors for the beach, but many also come to see coastal birds, sea turtles, and other wildlife.

According to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, those habitats can be strained by coastal development, population growth, and climate change.

The commission is asking visitors to the southern coast to complete a roughly five-minute survey to help measure the economic impact of wildlife viewing.

“We want to determine economic contributions from visiting bird watchers, folks who visit our coast during sea turtle nesting season, and other wildlife enthusiasts,” Elizabeth Pratt, a commission social scientist, said.

According to the commission, about 3 million people in North Carolina identify as “wildlife viewers,” and about three-quarters take trips to see the state’s wildlife. The agency said limited data exists on how those visits contribute to coastal communities and the state economy.

Results will be used to help guide coastal conservation policies, Pratt said. The survey is available online through late fall, and the commission has posted signs and placed postcards at viewing sites and visitor centers, according to the agency.