Posted on August 20, 2025
A new analysis evaluates the impact of community-led habitat restoration projects in Florida. It finds that 12 projects are estimated to support more than 1,000 jobs and increase economic activity.
Coastal restoration might bring to mind images of wetlands, sand dunes, and tidal marshes—but there’s another impact of this work: jobs and economic growth.
A new economic analysis shows that community-led restoration contributes broadly to local, state, and national economies. It finds that $72.5 million invested across 12 habitat restoration projects in Florida is estimated to support jobs and wages and increase both spending and economic activity. In total, more than $100 million will be added to the economy.
The NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation evaluated 12 projects spanning the entire Florida coastline, from Pensacola, to the Keys, to Jacksonville. The projects restore coral reefs and mangroves, create estuarine and oyster habitats, and enhance seagrass and living shorelines. In turn, these habitats will support valuable fisheries, prevent flooding, preserve and create opportunities for recreation, and beyond—all of which benefit Florida residents and visitors alike.
12 habitat restoration projects span the entire Florida coastline
How Habitat Restoration Supports Jobs
Researchers modeled the data using IMPLAN (an industry-standard economic modeling tool). They found the federal funds invested in the 12 restoration projects are estimated to support $70 million in labor income across 1,000 jobs. That means wages for workers, earnings for small business owners, and income flowing into households.
When implementing coastal restoration projects, multiple industries and a broad set of skill levels are required. Across these projects, 600 jobs will be directly supported, including:
- Engineers that design shoreline protections and new routing for streams
- Construction crews that build living shorelines and stabilize creek beds
- Landscapers that plant native plant species
- Suppliers that provide equipment and materials like bulldozers and sediment
- Biologists that construct oyster reefs and monitor these ecosystems
- Project managers and administrators that ensure the project hits schedules and stays on budget
These roles are the backbone of coastal restoration efforts. In many cases they are filled by local workers directly impacted by the project. They might be able to fish in a nearby creek, snorkel through vibrant reefs, or—in the case of McCoys Creek—stop their neighborhood from flooding.
These projects will also invest in local businesses. The University of Miami’s Next Generation Coral Restoration project hires local divers and boat owners to support their coral research and outplanting. Their work to revitalize and increase the resilience of Florida’s reefs protects not only shorelines but also the tourism industry, drawing divers and fishers from near and far.
The investment in these 12 coastal restoration projects doesn’t stop at direct employment. The estimated $70 million in wages that they will generate include income earned by factory workers building equipment for the project, bus drivers that take employees to and from work, and employees of other local businesses.
Building Skills
In many cases, the projects invest in younger generations and offer a pathway to employment in the habitat restoration field. OysterCorps, run by Franklin’s Promise, hired 18–24 year olds to restore oyster reefs. In all, they received almost 85,000 hours of field work and skills training.
Matt Posner, executive director at Pensacola and Perdido Bay Estuary Program said, “It’s engaging young adults in the region that don’t necessarily have a career path set out.” He shared that one person arrived on the first day without ever using a hammer and nails.
Posner continued, “The benefits of participating are being able to not only get a profession in one trade, but it kind of exposes you to a lot of different trades and a lot of different opportunities, and opens a lot of doors.”
OysterCorps members planting marsh grasses
One Dollar In, Two Dollars Out
Labor income is only one layer. The broader economic activity generated—called “value added”—tells an even bigger story about these coastal restoration projects. This figure includes not only wages, but also certain taxes and business income are generated, offering insight into local and regional GDP. In this case, these 12 restoration projects will contribute $100 million in additional GDP and growth in the economy.
When we look at the total value of goods and services—including the cost of materials, equipment, and services—these projects will support $168 million in total economic output. Every $1 invested in these projects stimulates $2.32 worth of economic activity.
Restoration Pays Off
Coastal restoration is more than new pathways along a marsh or revived coral reefs—it’s an economic investment. These projects, and the jobs and wages they support, will fuel local economies, build a skilled workforce, and open doors for future generations.
