This interactive system estimates the marinas' overall economic impact on a local, regional and national level. The tool can also estimate the impact of the potential loss of marinas.
The Recreational Marine Research Center developed and maintains the tool on behalf of the Association of Marina Industries, the Great Lakes Commission, the National Marine Manufacturers Association and the U.S. Coast Guard. It can be accessed at no charge at www.marinaeconomics.com.
"For the very first time this innovative tool allows marinas across the country to produce information that verifies their direct and indirect economic impact," said RMRC director Ed Mahoney, in a statement. "In addition to the organizations and agencies involved, more than 800 marina operators and 10,000 recreational boaters contributed their time to provide the data required to develop the tool's economic models."
The tool can also be used to estimate the economic impact of boat access/launch sites, and all registered powerboats and sailboats in a designated region.
"Assessing and showcasing the economic impact of individual marinas is crucial to the continued growth of the recreational boating industry and the boating public's ability to enjoy time on the water," said AMI chairman Alex Laidlaw, in a statement.
This information, previously untracked, is expected to add value to decisions concerning marina permitting and expansion. The tool provides economic justification for the need to preserve and promote marina development.
Contact Yue Cui at the Recreational Marine Research Center at cuiyue@msu.edu.
