Study: Venice Beach, Other Coastal Areas Could Be Submerged by The Year 2100

Venice - Much of Venice Beach and other local coastal areas could be submerged by the year 2100 if ocean levels continue rising at current rates, according to a state-commissioned study released today by San Francisco State University.

If coastal-water levels rise by 4.6 feet by the end of the century -- a projection specific to the California coast based on recent studies -- the low-lying beach town carved out of what used to be a marsh could be flooded, according to the study, which pegged the economic loss due to a reduced tourism at $440 million between now and 2100.

"In California, our coastline is one of our most valuable natural resources," said study author Philip King, associate professor of economics at UCSF. "More than 80 percent of Californians live in coastal communities, and California's beaches support local economies and critical natural species."

The economic loss in Malibu could be about $500 million by the end of the century, according to the study.

Parts of Zuma Beach, including Broad Beach's "Millionaires Row," could be swamped, as could Torrey Pines beach in San Diego County, Ocean Beach in San Francisco and Carpinteria beach in Santa Barbara County.

The study was paid for by the Department of Boating and Waterways, aimed at assessing the effects of rising sea levels on beach erosion and loss of habitat.