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Natural Solutions and a Clean Water Future for the Cape Fear

Coastal Resilience

For years, North Carolina Sea Grant has supported community and ecosystem resilience through a variety of projects and initiatives. As policymakers and planners begin to reconceive resilience as “bouncing forward,” Coastwatch offers articles at the forefront of the discussion. See also our related content on Hurricanes and Climate Change and Sea Level Rise.

image: Hurricane Florence, satellite view.

Sep 18, 2023

Environmental Justice and Disaster Recovery: Pioneering Research in a Burgeoning Field

With a look back at Hurricane Florence, a new study shows how nonprofit leaders responded to the post-disaster needs of the Latina and Latino community in Wilmington, North Carolina.
image: plastic particles under microscope.

Jun 20, 2023

A River of Plastics

New research reveals the Neuse River Basin annually delivers an estimated 230 billion particles of plastic to the Pamlico Sound.
image: Hurricane Florence's eye.

Jun 3, 2023

Climate Resilience: Natural Landscapes and Flood Mitigation in New Bern

1996 marked an abrupt uptick in hurricane activity in coastal North Carolina, when tropical storm Arthur and hurricanes Bertha and Fran made landfall within a few months of each other. These storms caused billions of dollars in damage and significant loss of life. Since then, 38 tropical systems have impacted North Carolina.
image: dolphin jumps in an NC waterway.

Jun 2, 2023

Emerging Contaminants: PFAS in the Tidal Creeks of Southeastern North Carolina

Since the industrial revolution, the introduction of countless contaminants to the environment has led to a measurable chemical "pollution fingerprint" that is present in soil, water, air, and organisms.
image: Okracoke Island is shown with a mounted sign that reads: "Stop. No one allowed beyond this point."

Jun 2, 2023

From Portsmouth to Aurora

As impacts from climate change heighten, our state finds new strategies for new challenges.
image: architectural design, Duffyfield neighborhood street view.

Apr 5, 2023

Resilience and Redevelopment in Duffyfield

After Hurricane Florence flooded an African American neighborhood with a long history of strength after adversity, a team of community leaders, researchers, and students has been working to restore housing and preserve community history.

Jan 4, 2023

Between a River and a Swamp: All That Water Has to Go Somewhere

After flooding from hurricanes Matthew and Florence, a team helps build resilience and innovation in Robeson County through a North Carolina Sea Grant-supported project.

Dec 8, 2022

Our Coast, Our Future: The 2022 North Carolina Coastal Conference

They came to Raleigh from across North Carolina, discussed urgent and emerging issues affecting our coast, forged new ties, and literally devoured new research for lunch — and you can watch it here.

Sep 13, 2022

Climate Resilience: NC’s State-of-the-Art Warning System Strengthens Flood Planning

This hurricane season, the N.C. Department of Transportation (DOT) is relying on an advanced flood-warning system that includes 400 river and stream gauges. Transportation Secretary Eric Boyette calls it a “state-of-the-art warning system” that “will help us be better prepared for the next major storm.
image: Upper Cape Fear River.

Sep 13, 2022

Natural Solutions and a Clean Water Future for the Cape Fear

With more people living in the Cape Fear River Basin and climate change bringing heavier rains, a new project is forecasting the effects of stormwater runoff as well as how strategic buffers can lessen pollution.