Coastal and Industrial Development
“The economic potential and value of the coast is richer and more complex than most people realize.”1
The following economic studies have been undertaken to estimate the economic value of oceans sector in each Atlantic Province:
This section of the website provides information on the various types of coastal and ocean economic activities.
Not covered in the studies above, although sometimes mentioned, is the economic value of ecosystem goods and services provided by coastal and ocean ecosystems.
Communities must often choose between competing uses of the coastal environment and the myriad goods and services provided by healthy, functioning ecosystems. Should this shoreline be cleared and stabilized to provide new land for urban development, or should it be restored to its natural state to serve as wildlife habitat? Should that wetland be drained and converted to agriculture, or should more wetland area be created to provide water filtration services?
To choose from these competing options, it is important to know what ecosystem goods and services will be affected by coastal development or management and how these goods and services create value for different members of society.
1 The Economic and Market Value of Coasts and Estuaries: What’s At Stake?
Linwood H. Pendleton (Editor) Restore America’s Estuaries 2020 N. 14th St., Ste. 210 Arlington, VA 22201 (703) 5240248 www.estuaries.org
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Last Updated on Thursday, 31 March 2011 18:05
