Blue Economy

Seafood and commercial fishing, access to global markets through shipping and transport, tourism and recreation all supply thousands of jobs and billions in revenue for North Carolina. When economic activity is in balance with the long-term capacity of the coastal and ocean ecosystems, a blue economy emerges.

Economic Impact
Wildlife Management Areas Support Local Businesses
in the Spring 2023 issue
Hunters, anglers, and boaters help fuel the economy.

Our Coast, Our Future:
The 2022 North Carolina Coastal Conference
videos, photos, resources
in the Winter 2022 issue
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.

From Water to Air
with “Algal Blooms Pose Possible Respiratory Threat,” a video from UNC Research
in the Winter 2022 issue
When cyanobacteria goes airborne, community scientists are helping to investigate.

Sustainable Fisheries
Keeping Sharks Off Gear
with Why So Many Sharks Die and What We Can Do About It, a video from Sci NC
and with Sara Mirabilio’s presentation at the 2022 North Carolina Coastal Conference (video)
in the Winter 2022 issue
“To an approaching shark, even a weak electrical impulse can be disorientating or physically uncomfortable.”

Cultivating the Sea:
Is There a Profitable Market for Farm-Fresh Black Sea Bass?
in the Autumn 2022 issue
Thanks to breakthroughs from a team at UNCW, this seafood favorite could reach many more consumers.

Is There a Future for Oyster Relaying in North Carolina?
in the Autumn 2022 issue
For years, oyster farmers in our state have reported greater numbers of healthy oysters in areas that they harvest.

What’s So Special About North Carolina’s Oysters?
Savoring the NC Oyster Trail
in the Autumn 2022 issue
Farms, tastes, and tales — now foodies and adventurers can explore the magic of the North Carolina oyster.

From Hurricane Hazel to the Morning Light:
Coastal Carolina Through a Shrimper’s Eyes
in the Summer 2022 issue
After using scrap metal to build his own boat, Harry Bryant escaped waterspouts and a lightning strike and earned a living on the open water for 32 years.

Are Warming Seas affecting how Blue Crabs escape Predators?
in the Spring 2022 issue
Along much of the North Carolina coast, seagrasses are a critical habitat for juvenile blue crabs, providing a refuge from predators.

Blue Economy
Four Big Takeaways from our study of North Carolina’s Seafood Industry
in the Spring 2022 issue
North Carolina’s wild-caught commercial seafood industry provides nearly $300 million in economic impact and 5,500 jobs for the state.

Fishing for Food and Finding Connection
in the Spring 2022 issue
“Not everyone with a rod and reel is just fishing for fun. For some people, the stakes can be much higher.”

New Links in the Sea-to-Table Chain:
The North Carolina Local Food Council Responds in the Pandemic’s Darkest Hour
in the Fall 2021 issue
The loss of restaurant and other food service markets shook the commercial fishing industry to its core in the first half of 2020.

In the Wake of Storms
in the Spring 2021 issue
Even as our state’s capacity for seafood processing declines, wholesalers and distributors have built a network that rapidly deploys initial aid to coastal communities after hurricanes.

Blue Economy
in the Spring 2021 issue
Farmers and fishers have much in common in the way of obstacles and opportunities.

How to Freeze Your Fresh North Carolina Seafood
in the Summer 2020 issue
If you’re limiting your shopping trips right now, you can freeze your seafood to enjoy later.

Coastal Landscaping: The Next Blue Economy Sector?
in the Spring 2020 issue

The Greatest Show on the East Coast:
New Journeys into the Heart of North Carolina’s Darkness
in the Spring 2020 issue

Why Do Some Anglers Target Bluefin Tuna While Others Do Not?
in the Summer 2019 issue

A Fish for All Occasions:
A Quest for the Heart of the Local Seafood Lover
in the Autumn 2019 issue

From Sea to Table to You
in the Spring 2019 issue

New NC Shellfish Initiative Aids in Florence Damage Assessments
in the Autumn 2018 issue

Developing Recipes, Nourishing the Community
in the Winter 2017 issue

Building a Blue Economy in North Carolina
in the Spring 2017 issue

Developing New Seafood Products
in the Spring 2017 issue

Discover Innovative Tourism Access
in the Spring 2017 issue

Spreading the Word about Southern Oysters
in the Spring 2017 issue

Discovering Down East on the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway
in the Summer 2017 issue