A person kayaking in the distance of a body of water

Research and Resources for a Healthier North Carolina Coast

Who we are

Since 1970, North Carolina Sea Grant has provided research, education, and outreach to serve our entire state. We build more resilient communities and economies, support sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, promote healthy coastal ecosystems, enhance environmental education, and foster workforce development.

By forging enduring collaborations that bridge North Carolina’s public and private universities with communities across the state, our program fuels real-world solutions.

image: Boaters and their dog speed south down the Intracoastal Waterway near Figure Eight Island.

Coastal Solutions

We strive to be active in North Carolina’s coastal communities and work hard to keep current with evolving needs and share our resources on a variety of topics.

Robert Snowden, 2017 Coastal Reserve Fellow

Funding Opportunities

North Carolina Sea Grant supports science-based research relevant to our state’s coast. These projects address issues critical to maintaining the health of our coastal resources.

Fellowships

North Carolina Sea Grant helps develop the next generation of educated, innovative, and technologically advanced professionals through a variety of fellowships for talented graduate students.

Workforce Development and Training

We seek to train and prepare North Carolina’s workforce to meet the demands of a changing marine and coastal environment.

Fisheries and Aquaculture

Our experts support the state’s seafood and fishing industries, fostering connections between researchers and stakeholders.

Education and Outreach

North Carolina Sea Grant develops environmental education programs for students and educators statewide.

$4 Million

in economic benefits to
North Carolina

84 Communities

partnering with us for sustainable and resilient economies and planning

2,526 Attendees

in 67 trainings for industry and community members in 2023

Coastwatch

North Carolina Sea Grant’s flagship print and digital publication. For over four decades, this award-winning magazine has brought the latest science and news to readers who love our coast.

a hummingbird drinking nectar out of a red buckeye

Coastal Landscapes Initiative

Native landscaping at every stage of the process, from planning and design to installation and management.

Mariner’s Menu

Explore kitchen-tested seafood recipes and mouth-watering photos featuring local North Carolina fish and shellfish.

a fisherman releasing a red snapper off the side of a boat with the aid of a descending device

Hook, Line & Science

Catch the latest in fisheries science, geared for North Carolina anglers.

November 11, 2024

North Carolina Sea Grant Calls for Preproposals for Applied Coastal Research

North Carolina Sea Grant is now accepting preproposals for the 2026–2028 applied research grant cycle, with awards up to $150,000 each for projects that address problems affecting coastal ecosystems, economies, and communities. The deadline for preproposals is January 13, 2025.

image: a community member and scientist.

November 04, 2024

Community Collaborative Research Grant Program Calls for Proposals

North Carolina Sea Grant, North Carolina Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI), and the William R. Kenan, Jr. Institute for Engineering, Technology and Science (KIETS) are accepting proposals for the Community Collaborative Research Grant (CCRG) program for projects to start in May 2025.

image: Lead image: a graysby grouper about to be released with the aid of a descending device. Credit SAFMC.

October 29, 2024

Descending Devices Lessen “Barotrauma” in Deep-Water Fish

Sci NC has released a video special about how anglers testing descending devices in North Carolina fisheries may not only be conserving fish, but also promoting long-term stability in the fishing industry.

Strengthening the Blue Economy

Thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in revenue for North Carolina depend on sustainable ocean and coastal resources. North Carolina Sea Grant actively bolsters our blue economy through a vast array of projects and initiatives that support businesses and consumers alike.