Salt marshes.

Human reliance on the goods and services provided by ecosystems and the global
decline in the health of many of these ecosystems, necessitates ecosystem valuation for the
purposes of decision-making and conservation policy. The literature suggests that conventionally
employed economic valuation methods have been unsuccessful in capturing the full scope of the
benefits ecosystems provide, particularly those benefits that are considered cultural. This
research explores public perceptions of salt marsh value through the use of focus groups in
marsh-adjacent communities in Massachusetts, Virginia, and Georgia. Results suggest that in
case study communities, outdoor experiences in salt marshes inspire serenity in Massachusetts,
shape shore and “marsh” identities in Virginia, and promote stewardship cultivation in Georgia.
Perceived threats to these benefits, such as the threat of residential development, industrial
pollution, and increasing flood risk, together constitute the context for various community
responses related to marsh protection. Results contribute to existing economic valuations.

Coastal ecosystems, such as the salt marsh of the Georgia coast, have long been valued for decision-making purposes based on market-values of goods and services including: fishery landings, hedonic pricing of waterfront homes, and tourism dollars. These values do not show the full picture of services provided by these ecosystems. Using focus group discussions and key informant interviews I investigate socio-cultural values and benefits provided by salt marsh ecosystems in central coastal Georgia. Participants noted that through their experiences in marshes they developed a desire to be stewards. This desire, coupled with the industrial pollution, residential development, and sea-level rise threats in the area result in a need for cooperative conservation and thus better enforcement of existing regulations. This relational value persisted across geographic locations and sample populations. My results show the importance of utilizing diverse members of community to elicit qualitative value statements.