Rising sea levels threaten Tangier Island

Off the coast of Accomack County lies the very tiny Tangier Island. But according to research published in the journal Scientific Reports, Tangier could be nearing the end of its lifespan. The report says residents of the steadily shrinking Island will have to abandon their fishing community in about 50 years amid rising seas.

47 ABC spoke with Accomack County supervisor Ron Wolff and he says the most significant issue on Tangier Island is sea level rise and they’re starting to see effects with erosion on the islands west side.

This has led to thoughts of possibly building a seawall to try and stop that erosion. Wolff says the island has been in contact with Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine hoping to find a way to preserve the island.

Wolff tells 47 ABC, “They have a really long history that tangier folks would love to preserve but i think they see that the reality that their way of living might come to an end.”

Wolff also says folks are slowly leaving the island due to limited work opportunities. He says when he was elected 12 years ago the population was 720, now it’s around 550 people. He says saving the island will be an uphill battle and as of right now, plans are in limbo.