Delaware's ocean and bay waters are worth far more than what shows up in economic reports — and a new report by University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center (UMD EFC) prepared for DNREC Coastal Programs outlines research questions to explore the expansion of marine resources value.
Released in 2026, Summary of Non-Market Value Literature and Future Research Questions for Marine Environment Project and Proposal Prioritization was prepared by UMD EFC and the Trust for Public Land in support of the Delaware Ocean and Bay Plan. The report summarizes the state of literature on the economic, cultural, and public health value that Delawareans derive from the coast — benefits that don't carry a price tag but matter deeply to people's lives.
Delaware's ocean beaches alone generate an estimated $1 billion or more in annual economic value. But beyond that figure lie benefits that are harder to measure: the mental health boost of a morning walk on the shore, the cultural identity tied to working waterfronts, the simple reassurance of knowing horseshoe crabs still make their ancient journey up Delaware Bay each spring.
The report reviews national and international literature across eleven marine activities — from commercial fishing and beach nourishment to wildlife viewing and artificial reefs — and proposes specific research questions to help fill knowledge gaps. It finds that non-use values (existence, bequest, and option values) are consistently present across Delaware's marine ecosystems but are rarely factored into policy decisions.
DNREC Coastal Programs will use these findings to guide future research priorities and strengthen the science behind the Delaware Ocean and Bay Plan.
Learn more at dnrec.delaware.gov/coastal-programs/ocean-and-bay-plan