A new study led by William & Mary’s Batten School and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) has revealed that tidal marshes—both natural wetlands and engineered living shorelines—contribute approximately $90 million each year in economic value to communities across Virginia’s Middle Peninsula. This finding underscores the vital role of marsh ecosystems not only in sustaining biodiversity and coastal resilience but also in supporting the economic wellbeing of local populations.
The research, recently published in Nature-Based Solutions, was supported by a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Chesapeake Bay Fisheries Research Program. By combining ecological field data, spatial modelling, economic valuation, and community surveys, the research team assessed both the current and projected benefits of marsh systems. The study’s economic assessments informed the development of SHORE-BET (Shoreline Benefit Estimation Tool), an online platform designed to help communities and landowners estimate the economic and ecological returns of marshes and shoreline restoration projects.
According to lead researcher Donna Bilkovic, professor and assistant director of the Center for Coastal Resources Management (CCRM) at the Batten School and VIMS, the project brings a comprehensive perspective to wetlands. “This study looks at wetlands from a number of angles and places measurable, research-informed values on the benefits they provide,” Bilkovic explained. “The resulting data forms the foundation of SHORE-BET, giving planners and property owners better tools to understand the full range of environmental and financial gains from shoreline conservation.”
The study highlighted that marshes and living shorelines provide an array of ecosystem services, including storm protection, nutrient removal, carbon storage, habitat for fish and wildlife, and recreational opportunities. Together, these contributions equate to around 3.3% of the Middle Peninsula’s annual GDP. Looking ahead, the researchers projected that if marshes are expanded and living shorelines are more widely adopted, the annual value of these services could rise significantly—potentially reaching $168 million by 2050.
The survey element of the study offered insight into how different groups perceive marsh benefits. Policymakers tended to emphasise storm risk reduction and broad ecological services, while residents, recreational users, and anglers also placed great value on recreation and fisheries. These findings reveal the diverse ways in which coastal communities connect to marsh ecosystems, reinforcing the argument for inclusive and locally informed coastal planning.
Living shorelines, which mimic many of the functions of natural wetlands, are increasingly seen as a cornerstone of coastal resiliency. They have proven effective in stabilising coastlines, mitigating erosion, and fostering biodiversity. In Virginia, their use is mandated for erosion-control projects in areas where conditions allow. The study projects that greater adoption could enhance or restore over 2,500 hectares of marshland, providing not only stronger natural defences against climate-related threats but also significant ecological and economic returns.
The introduction of SHORE-BET marks a step forward in evidence-based coastal management. The tool enables users to input site-specific information and generate calculations of ecological service values for marshes and living shoreline projects, with projections extending through 2050. “By combining data from field research with community perspectives, SHORE-BET ensures that shoreline planning reflects both science and stakeholder priorities,” Bilkovic concluded. “This integration of knowledge and practice could guide a shift towards watershed-scale planning that maximises shared benefits across Virginia’s coastal communities.”
More information: Donna Marie Bilkovic et al, Valuing present and future benefits provided by coastal wetlands and living shorelines, Nature-Based Solutions. DOI: 10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100243
Journal information: Nature-Based Solutions Provided by Virginia Institute of Marine Science