Early Summer 2001

Table of Contents

CORALS AND SEA URCHINS: Two Parts of the Same Story

Coral reefs are considered wonders of the ocean world. But many reef areas have been damaged or degraded in recent years. Join Pam Smith as she shares a novel, ecological approach to reef restoration by Alina Szmant of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

NATIONAL MARINE SANTUARIES: Our Deepest Treasures

The site of the USS Monitor became the nation’s first marine sanctuary in 1975. Now the program includes a dozen more sites — including the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, where UNC-W researchers are working on coral reef restoration and other marine topics.

THE ENIGMATIC EEL: A Long Way from Home

The eel fishery in North Carolina may have peaked in the 1970s, but E.T. and Katie Sawyer still take orders for eel pots at their Belhaven business. Follow the saga of the fishery — and learn more about the Ameican eel, which is born in the Sargasso Sea, but spends most of its life in freshwater.

Museum “Morgue” Helps Scientists Assess Habitats

Want to find the last known river frog in North Carolina? How about a Neuse River water dog or a Carolina gopher frog — rare since development degraded water supplies or altered wetlands. Ann Green takes you to a research facility that documents these and other specimens from our changing state.

PEOPLE & PLACES:
Taxidermy: Ancient Practice is Now Art Form

Displays at coastal state parks offer glimpes of wildlife we may rarely see in person. The realistic presentations, complete with habitat, are the work of unusual artists — taxidermists. Ann Green takes you to two studios where the work is truly hands-on.

BOOK MARKET:
Adventure Along the Coast is Just a Book Away

Summer is here — time to break out of your mold. Whether you are an avid sailor or kayaker or an armchair enthusiast, you will enjoy the books highlighted by Pam Smith. And she offers the lure of pirates to keep kids busy when those afternoon storms roll in.

SEA SCIENCE:
Counting Dolphins

Watching dolphins dance in the waves is the highlight of many beach vacations. But just how many dolphins are there in North Carolina’s coastal waters? Cynthia Henderson reports on a Fishery Resource Grant with results that may surprise you.