Valuing present and future benefits provided by coastal wetlands and living shorelines
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT Marshes are important natural capital assets for many coastal communities, providing a range of ecosystem services such as coastal protection, nutrient removal, habitat, and recreational opportunities. We explored the present and future distribution and economic value of tidal marsh (natural marsh and living shorelines) ecosystem services for coastal communities in Virginia, US, using an interdisciplinary mixed-methods, spatially explicit valuation approach. First, a benefit transfer analysis was conducted using literature-derived values adjusted for site-specific conditions. Then, two stated preference surveys were implemented, targeting recreational users and individuals engaged in shoreline management decision-making. We leveraged a wide range of spatial information on the local environment to both adjust values and also develop realistic scenarios in surveys. Survey responses were used to assess service values as well as tradeoffs in shoreline decisions. Marsh values were found to be a significant asset for communities, amounting to ∼$90M/yr in benefits, or 3.3% of annual GDP for the region. Assuming marsh migration into undeveloped lands and the installation of living shorelines for coastal protection where suitable, future discounted service values were predicted to increase slightly. Marsh service values varied spatially, with storm risk reduction (the highest ranked service by community decision-makers) displaying the greatest variation. Recreational opportunities were ranked low by community decision-makers, yet recreational fishers placed a high value on marshes. This highlights that without consideration of locally important services, shoreline management decisions may unknowingly affect local economies. Valuing marsh services can improve social efficiency in shoreline management decisions while also advancing natural capital accounting.
Source: Nature-Based Solutions
Institutions: William & Mary, Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Language: English
Subfield: Economics and Econometrics
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,910
Funders: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, Department of Environmental Quality, National Estuarine Research Reserve System, Virginia Marine Resources Commission, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Awards: G4475442596, G94226061
OpenAlex ID: W4411118727