South Carolina Mapping Tool Tracks Marsh Migration From Sea Level Rise

The movement of South Carolina’s coastal salt marshes is an early harbinger of the path of future floods.

1 minute read

February 15, 2026, 9:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Sunset over the salt marsh of Pawleys island sound, South Carolina.

Cavan-Images / Shutterstock

A new mapping tool funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation maps South Carolina’s shifting salt marshes, which are pushing inland as seawater levels rise. 

According to a Governing article by Lora Clarke and Tom Wheatley, the migration of salt marshes, while vital to local habitats, also prevents land managements and planning challenges, offering an early view into how future floods may shape up. 

As Clarke and Wheatley explain, “Created under the leadership of the SCDNR and the ACE Basin NERR, the mapping tool translates theoretical projections into actionable data,” visualizing where rising waters could threaten developable land. “Through these platforms, the mapping tool transforms sea-level rise from a theoretical threat into practical guidance, helping communities make more informed decisions.”

Friday, February 13, 2026 in Governing

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