Experimental ecosystem accounting for coastal and marine areas: A pilot application of the SEEA-EEA in Long Island coastal bays

Abstract Recent international efforts have focused on the development of metrics to supplement or adjust Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to better account for the broader environmental and social impacts of economic development. In this regard, the United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting, through its Experimental Ecosystem Accounting (EEA) work, is developing a standardized approach to accounting for the value of ecosystem services generated by ecosystems and documenting the relationships between ecosystem services and economic activity. Limited examples exist of the application of the EEA approach to coastal and marine habitats. The purpose of the current paper is therefore to develop a pilot process for applying the EEA within a coastal area, using South Shore Long Island Bays as a case study. Indicators of ecosystem condition and ecosystem services are proposed, data are compiled for the study site, and population of EEA tables as proposed by the United Nations is undertaken. Results indicate significant data gaps for marine and coastal areas that may limit the immediate ability to compile these ecosystem accounts. However, based on identified data gaps and implementation challenges, the process undertaken at the pilot site also provides guidance for potential future research activities.