Coastal Economics

Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant is documenting the value of coastal and marine industries and activities to the coastal economy.

Georgia’s coastal economy is made up of the various business sectors that either directly depend on coastal resources, such as fisheries and aquaculture industries, or sectors that provide goods and services for coastal and ocean-based activities, such as coastal tourism and shipping.

The health of Georgia’s natural coastal resources is important for growing our economy in a sustainable way.  

The coastal economics program is designed to conduct applied research, track and interpret coastal economic data and information, and make the information understandable and usable to the public and decision-makers.

Assessing the Economic Importance of For-Hire and Recreational Fishing in Georgia

In 2021, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant received funding from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division to assess the economic contributions of for-hire (or charter) fishing as well as saltwater recreational fishing to Georgia’s coastal economy.

For the for-hire fishing study, a survey was disseminated to charter captains and businesses to collect sales and expenditure data. Results of the survey show that roughly 184 licensed for-hire fishing captains in Georgia provided fishing guide services to nearly 53,000 anglers in 2021.

• 2023 For-Hire Fishing fact sheet
• 2023 Report: For-Hire Fishing in Georgia: Characteristics and Economic Impact

To determine the economic contributions of saltwater recreational fishing in Georgia, a survey was disseminated to anglers to collect saltwater fishing-related expenditure data as well as demographic and geographic data. In 2022, saltwater recreational fishing activities contributed 310.6 million to Georgia’s economy.  These activities include purchasing fishing tackle, such as fishing rods, lines, and lures, while also incurring additional expenses related to transportation and food.

• 2023 Recreational Fishing fact sheet
• 2023 Report: Economic Impact of Saltwater Recreational Fishing in Georgia

Estimating the Economic Benefit and Impact of Artificial Reefs in Georgia

Georgia’s artificial reef program has been in existence for half a century, yet there is no detailed economic assessment of the program. Artificial reefs support Essential Fish Habitat (EFH), marine ecosystems, fisheries, recreational opportunities and the development of local economies. With funding from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resource Division, Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant began studying the economic importance of Georgia’s artificial reef program in 2023. 

This project collects socio-demographic and perception data from artificial reef users to design choice experiment surveys that assess preferences for ecosystem enhancements. By combining stated and revealed preference data (travel cost), researchers quantify the economic value and impact of angler expenditures and reef construction. Ultimately, these findings support a comprehensive benefit-cost analysis and the development of educational outreach materials for the public.

Results from the study were published in 2024. Findings provided insight into the attributes of the artificial reef program that are most attractive to marine resource users and guide resource managers when deploying artificial reefs.

Economic Contributions of Commercial Fisheries

Georgia’s commercial fishing industry provides vital employment and food security for coastal communities. Utilizing data from partners at NOAA Fisheries and Georgia DNR Coastal Resource Division, modeling was used to calculate the 2024 economic impact of commercial seafood harvesters, dealers, and wholesalers, highlighting the industry’s essential social and financial value to the state.

Determining the Economic Value of Nongame Coastal Wildlife Recreation

As wildlife viewing grows in popularity across Georgia’s 11 coastal counties, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant are working to document its true economic worth. Since visitors are willing to pay for the chance to see animals like dolphins, sea turtles and alligators, this study funded by Georgia DNR Coastal Resources Division calculates the “dollar value” of that satisfaction and the money spent at local businesses. By creating models that measure these financial impacts, the project provides a framework for leaders to balance conservation with development and helps tourism operators understand how protecting wildlife habitats directly supports their business models.

A survey was disseminated to stakeholders in 2023 to collect data on wildlife viewing behaviors and attitudes as well as expenditure data. A report was be published in 2026 detailing the survey’s findings. It will be used to inform coastal habitat conservation policies.