The Spring issue of Coastwatch magazine includes plans for day trips and weekend excursions on the NC Oyster Trail, a new study on blue crabs and their predators, a look at the long-term impacts of lithium mining on water quality, research on strategies for saving cold-stunned sea turtles, and much more.

Inside the new issue:

The NC Oyster Trail features more than 90 sites across the state, stretching from the beaches of Cape Hatteras to the mountains of Cashiers. Here’s where to begin touring the “Napa Valley of Oysters.”

Are predators following North Carolina’s blue crabs? Studying the species and their surrounding environment can tell us about animals higher in the food chain.

Researchers are investigating the residual effects of lithium mining on water quality — and shedding light on the potential impacts of future mining operations.

Pamlico Sound’s white shrimp population has been on the rise, and a new North Carolina Sea Grant study shows that combining shrimpers’ local knowledge with traditional science leads to a clearer picture of why shrimp populations fluctuate.

Kaylee Luchansky, a Mountains to Sea Fellow, is studying the effects of zooplankton at NC’s Jordan Lake, where a larger population of the tiny animals could result in more fish, larger fish, and improved sport fishing.

Mountains to Sea Fellow Glory Kidimbu investigates the transmission of pathogens to waterways by tracing the spread of parasites.

The diminishing number of commercial fishers threatens the resilience of the nation’s seafood industry — but The South Atlantic Regional Commercial Fishing Academy and Apprenticeship Program offers a solution.

New research reveals which strategies help oyster reefs recover, how to optimize sea turtle search and rescue, which fish species are on the move, and what pilot whales samples tell us about PFAS.

And across the Atlantic, three African countries are working together to safeguard one of the world’s most productive marine ecosystems.

The Spring issue of Coastwatch also contains much more, including the latest news briefs and updates, as well as the Rip Currents Safety Poster. Share the poster and save a life.

This issue is available in print and online. In early July, the Summer issue will be available online only, before Coastwatch returns in print and online for the Fall 2026 issue..

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All issues of Coastwatch are available at no cost at ncCoastwatch.org.

Much of the content in Coastwatch is available to republish. Email dmshaw@ncsu.edu. All issues are available at no cost at ncCoastwatch.org.

Recent awards.

North Carolina Sea Grant has published Coastwatch magazine since 1979.