Economic Analyses
Publications
Developing a Working Waterfronts Plan for Virginia's Coastal Zone , VIMS Marine Resource Report No. 2015-18, VSG-2015-12, January 2016
Economic Importance of a Marine Railway to the Northern Neck of Virginia, VIMS Marine Resource Report No. 2015-13, VSG-15-07, September 2015
Economic Impact of Working Waterfront - Hampton, Virginia, VIMS Marine Resource Report No. 2015-11, VSG-15-04, August 2015
Aberdeen Creek Dredging Project - Restarting an Economic Engine, VIMS Marine Resource Report No. 2015-9, VSG-15-02, July 2015
Economic Activity Associated with Commercial Fisheries and Shellfish Aquaculture in Northampton County, Virginia, VIMS Marine Resource Report No. 2014-12, VSG-14-03, October 2014
Assessment of the Economic Impacts of Recreational Boating in Virginia, VIMS Marine Resource Report No. 2012-12, December 2012.
Assessment of the Economic Impacts of Recreational Boating in the City of Hampton, VIMS Marine Resource Report No. 2009-2, VSG-09-02, March 2009.
Economic Outlook for Expansion of the Eastern Shore Farmers' Market: Seafood Handling, Storage and Transportation Facility, VIMS Marine Resource Report No. 2008-7, VSG-08-08, September 2008.
Economic Activity Associated With the Inaugural "Virginia In-Water Boat Expo," September 9-11, 2005, VIMS Marine Resource Report No. 2006-1, VSG-06-02, April 2006.
Local Governments and the Marine Industry
Virginia Sea Grant works with coastal localities to explore opportunities to strengthen the business climate for marine enterprises. Such enterprises serve approximately 230,000 boaters who enjoy the tidal waters of Virginia.
For example, Virginia localities and marine industries are attempting to negotiate a lesser and more uniform tax burden on their boating clientele. Such a move helps to stabilize local businesses while ensuring steady growth in the future, large boat market. In certain locations, the result can help local governments attract new, mega yachts that bring acknowledged economic impacts upon local businesses, while cutting impediments to competition.
Marine Trades
Marine trades economist Tom Murray has worked to build upon the regional strengths of the marine industry in Virginia and identify opportunities for collaboration between trade sectors and with government bodies. Emphasis is placed on grants and public finance regimes that provide for incentives to industrial development. Specifically, businesses with the potential to add value to the existing labor pool while taking advantage of existing facilities are targeted.
Key to the development of maritime trades in the 21st century is state-of-the-art vocational education. A new program about to be launched at Rappahannock Community College will bring to fruition the desire by many industry leaders to educate and train quality craftsmen in marine trades.
For additional information and assistance, contact Tom Murray at tjm@vims.edu.