Won't be long before an industry-funded study emerges that puts the value at 100 times this -- but getting these numbers should help frame the debate.
Authors of a controversial study that puts the value of overseas ships operating in the Great Lakes at $55 million a year appeared before an independent panel of transportation experts at the Shedd Aquarium to defend their work.
That $55 million figure is important because many argue that the economic benefits of overseas shipping in the Great Lakes is a pittance compared with the ecological and economic costs wrought by shipborne invasive species.
One estimate, for example, puts the total cost of the zebra mussels alone over the past 20 years at about $2 billion.
While that peer review process continues today, early indications are that the study, though not perfect, essentially holds water.
http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/news/local/13309374.htm
Posted by Dave at December 2, 2005 09:21 AM