High Season 2008

Table of Contents

Aquatic Invaders: Aquariums, Zoos Highlight Nuisance Species

Ecosystems can’t afford to play musical chairs when it comes to habitat and food. Katie Mosher visits the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher to see a new national educational program to help halt the introduction and spread of invasive species.

Creating Clean Environments: Big Sweep Offers New Curriculum Guide

Each fall, thousands of volunteers clean the state’s waterways — and now students can learn “litter lessons” all year. Ann Green joins students working along Rocky Branch at North Carolina State University.

Tracking Oyster Disease: New Parasite Found in Native Species

North Carolina Sea Grant researchers use cutting-edge technology to find Bonamia in Eastern oysters in a New Hanover County creek.

SEA SCIENCE:
Blue Crab Research Highlights Peelers

Robin Wienke explores why researchers need more data on peeler crabs, a profitable seasonal catch.

SEA SCIENCE:
Spiny Dogfish Research Among FRG Projects

Investigators track spiny dogfish to discover how many of these small sharks there really are. This is just one of the new Fishery Resource Grant projects for 2008.

PEOPLE & PLACES:
Growing Coastal Stewardship:Student Aquaculture on the Outer Banks

Tracy Shisler, a science teacher at Cape Hatteras Secondary School of Coastal Studies, brings hands-on learning to a new level through classroom fish and oyster hatcheries. Kathleen Angione visits with Shisler to learn about this amazing program.

LEGAL TIDES:
13 Sites Selected for Initial WAMI Projects

As a follow-up to recommendations by the Waterfront Access Study Committee last year, the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries has identified sites that will have priority for the first $20 million of Waterfront Access and Marine Industry Fund monies.