Theme Areas
Coastal Economies, Marinas, Tourism & Other Coastal Businesses
In New York State, the overall annual economic contribution of resource-related businesses to coastal communities is enormous. For example, seafood processing contributes over $7.5 billion annually. Recreational boating exceeds $1.8 billion. The sustainable tourism business in New York’s Great Lakes counties alone employs approximately 35,000 workers. However, many of these water-dependent businesses are small, low margin and extremely competitive. New York Sea Grant makes critical contributions to the state’s economy by providing these businesses with Best Management Practices for controlling environmental impacts, information that helps them comply with increasing regulation, and strategies for marketing of high quality experiences and products.