Summer 2009

Table of Contents

Mapping the Overlap:
Terrapins & Crab Pots in the Lower Cape Fear Region

Diamondback terrapins inhabit the brackish waters of North Carolina’s estuaries and sometimes find their way into commercial or recreational crab pots. Robin Wienke joins a research team tracking these reptiles through muddy marshes to discover their distribution, movements, and interactions with crab pots.

Win-Win Research:
Pilot Whale Studies Help Fishermen, Species

Off Cape Hatteras, new restrictions will begin this summer for captains using longline gear in an area that many pilot whales frequent. A research team of fishermen and scientists continues to study the animals’ behavior near the gear, including stealing fish right of the hooks.

Our Amazing Coast

Elementary school teachers and informal educators eager to incorporate ocean science into their lessons had the chance to learn how at workshops featuring the Our Amazing Coast curriculum. Based on a book by staff at Georgia Sea Grant, the curriculum includes games and activities, two of which are included on page 19.

SEA SCIENCE:
What Lies Below: Science for Beach Nourishment

A diverse team of scientists has an ecosystem approach to studying sites of long-term beach nourishment efforts along the state’s southern coastline. Their research may lay groundwork for a Surf Zone Index of Biotic Integrity.

LOCAL CATCH:
Seafood: Fresh & Local

Seafood entrepreneurs from across North Carolina and the nation shared success strategies with fishermen and seafood dealers at the second annual North Carolina Seafood Marketing Workshop. Speakers from the workshop share with Kathleen Angione how unique business models help them appeal to customers.

PEOPLE & PLACES:
Listening, Responding: Hines’ Contributions Many, Varied

In the past 30 years, Bob Hines has seen changes in the fishing industry and communities along the coast. His Sea Grant career has included helping to adapt the skimmer trawl here, and coordinating the N.C. Fishery Resource Grant Program.