Spring 2017

LINKING WATER, FLOODS AND PUBLIC HEALTH

That reality offers great perspective as I am one of several researchers examining the link between flooding and public-health infrastructure in two coastal urban settings: Morehead City, North Carolina, and Charleston, South Carolina. We began our project in mid-2015, but Matthew and other large flooding events in 2016 have made our study particularly relevant.

ACCESSIBLE COAST: Discover Innovative N.C. Tourism in ACCESS

Venues across coastal North Carolina enhance visitors’ travel experiences. More than 400 accessible attractions are offered in ACCESS North Carolina, a vacation and travel guide for people with accessibility needs.

Small white device placed behind exhibit displays

ACCESSIBLE COAST: SCIENCE VIA VARIED SENSES

In the five years Yirka has been on staff, the Raleigh museum has debuted technologies and programs enabling fully independent navigation for people of varying abilities. All exhibit content is available regardless of visual impairments or hearing loss.

BUILDING A BLUE ECONOMY IN NORTH CAROLINA

The ocean economy contributed $2.1 billion and 43,385 jobs to North Carolina’s economy in 2013, according to a new report by North Carolina Sea Grant and Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions.

CURRENTS: Muddy Waters: Defining the 100-Year Flood

When used properly, the term “100-year flood” really means there is a 1-in-100, or 1 percent, chance of a flood occurring in a certain area in any given year. Given that probability, that flood is likely to occur, on average, once every 100 years over an even longer period of time. Similarly, you would call a flood with a 1-in-500, or 0.2 percent, chance of occurring every year a “500-year flood.”

DEVELOPING NEW SEAFOOD PRODUCTS

Americans lead busy, active lives and have little time or desire to cook meals at home. We seek new flavors, textures and unique cuisines, and want options that are convenient to prepare and consume almost anywhere. Fresh, transportable meals featuring minimally processed ingredients, handcrafted quality and bold flavors characterize the most successful pre-prepared meals of the past few years.

Summer campers at Highlands Biological Station observing macroinvertebrates in a white bucket.

EXPANDING MARINE EDUCATION FROM SEA TO MOUNTAINS

It’s easy to believe Terri Kirby Hathaway when she says she has the “best job in the world.” Hathaway works as a marine education specialist with North Carolina Sea Grant, a position she’s held for 13 years.

FISHING FOR FEEDBACK

Right now, we are conducting a survey with North Carolina’s recreational anglers. We want to ensure our extension, education and research programs remain relevant to this group.

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Convening Conversations on Coastal Challenges and Solutions

North Carolina Sea Grant again is pleased to host North Carolina’s Coastal Conference on April 4 and 5. We invite you to consider the science, education and partnerships that are necessary for communities and ecosystems to thrive — from our coastal watersheds, along our Inner and Outer Banks, and to our nearshore waters.

MARINER’S MENU: Tastes from the Past Worth Repeating

For this Spring issue, I dusted off old copies of Coastwatch to search for recipes. Looking back, I found many recipes worth repeating, such as smoked bluefish and Gruyère quiche, pine bark stew, and squid salad.

image: aerial view of marsh and seashore.

SCIENCE AT WORK: BUILDING STRONGER COASTAL COMMUNITIES

North Carolina Sea Grant’s efforts encompass topics in development, economies, ecosystems and traditions related to the state’s coast. Communities embody the concept, as they have weathered many storms. These days, the word also encompasses planning for and responding to a variety of economic and environmental challenges.

SEA SCIENCE: Teaming Up with Nature to Restore Wilson Bay

It’s hard to imagine that not long ago, there wasn’t much life in and along these waters. Over the past 20 years, a community-wide partnership has transformed Wilson Bay in Jacksonville.

SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT SOUTHERN OYSTERS

One of my main goals as North Carolina Sea Grant’s marine aquaculture specialist is to assist in the responsible and sustainable development of the state’s growing mariculture industry. A rapidly expanding sector of this industry in North Carolina is oyster farming.

WATCHING AND LEARNING ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA SEA GRANT

What is North Carolina Sea Grant? Ask 10 different people, and you’ll get 10 different answers.