Coastal Restoration Projects in Florida Support Jobs and Economic Growth

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation conducted an analysis of 12 community-led habitat restoration projects in Florida and found that they support more than 1,000 jobs and increase economic activity. The projects, which restore coral reefs and mangroves, create estuarine and oyster habitats, and enhance seagrass and living shorelines, contribute broadly to local, state, and national economies.

The analysis modeled the data using IMPLAN, an industry-standard economic modeling tool, and found that the federal funds invested in the 12 restoration projects are estimated to support $70 million in labor income across 1,000 jobs. These jobs include engineers, construction crews, landscapers, suppliers, biologists, and project managers, among others.

The projects will also invest in local businesses, such as the University of Miami's Next Generation Coral Restoration project, which hires local divers and boat owners to support their coral research and outplanting. The investment in these 12 coastal restoration projects will stimulate $2.32 worth of economic activity for every dollar invested, with a total value of goods and services of $168 million.

Moreover, the projects will offer skills training and a pathway to employment in the habitat restoration field, with The OysterCorps, run by Franklin's Promise, hiring 18-24 year olds to restore oyster reefs and providing almost 85,000 hours of field work and skills training.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 12 community-led habitat restoration projects in Florida support more than 1,000 jobs and increase economic activity, with an estimated $70 million in labor income.
  • The projects will invest in local businesses, including the University of Miami's Next Generation Coral Restoration project, which hires local divers and boat owners.
  • The investment in these 12 coastal restoration projects will stimulate $2.32 worth of economic activity for every dollar invested.
  • The projects will offer skills training and a pathway to employment in the habitat restoration field, with The OysterCorps providing almost 85,000 hours of field work and skills training.
  • The projects will fuel local economies, build a skilled workforce, and open doors for future generations.

Statistics:

  • The 12 community-led habitat restoration projects in Florida are estimated to support more than 1,000 jobs.
  • The federal funds invested in the 12 restoration projects are estimated to support $70 million in labor income.
  • The investment in these 12 coastal restoration projects will stimulate $2.32 worth of economic activity for every dollar invested.
  • The total value of goods and services supported by the projects is $168 million.
  • Almost 85,000 hours of field work and skills training will be provided through The OysterCorps program.

Sources:

  • NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation
  • IMPLAN (industry-standard economic modeling tool)
  • University of Miami's Next Generation Coral Restoration project
  • Franklin's Promise (The OysterCorps program)