Study finds coastal wetlands generate $90 million annually for Virginia communities
Findings led to the development of SHORE-BET, an online tool that helps local planners and landowners weigh long-term benefits of shoreline strategies
W&M’s Batten School & VIMS scientists sample for benthic macroinvertabrates at a living shoreline in Captain Sinclair Recreational Area in Gloucester, VA. Photo provided by Donna Bilkovic
A new study led by William & Mary’s Batten School & VIMS shows that tidal marshes, including both natural wetlands and man-made living shorelines, generate approximately $90 million annually in economic value for communities across Virginia’s Middle Peninsula.
Published in the journal Nature-Based Solutions and funded by a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Chesapeake Bay Fisheries Research Program (NA21NMF4570524-T1–01), the study combined ecological data, spatial modeling, economic valuation and stakeholder surveys to assess the current and projected benefits of marsh ecosystems. The economic valuations from the study were used to develop SHORE-BET (Shoreline Benefit Estimation Tool), a new, online tool designed to support coastal communities by estimating the economic benefits of marshes as well as living shoreline projects.
“This study looks at wetlands from a number of perspectives and puts research-informed values on the benefits they provide,” said Donna Bilkovic, professor and assistant director of the Center for Coastal Resources Management at the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & VIMS. “This data serves as the foundation for SHORE-BET, allowing local planners and individual landowners to better understand the potential environmental and economic benefits associated with living shoreline projects and marsh protection and restoration efforts.
Last modified: November 19, 2025
