{"id":33272,"date":"2026-03-27T09:56:30","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T13:56:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/?page_id=33272"},"modified":"2026-04-08T11:16:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T15:16:16","slug":"spring-2026","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/spring-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n
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INSIDE THE spring 2026 issue…<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n
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Coastal Currents<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

News Briefs and Updates<\/strong>

A new coastal landscapes webinar series, the latest winners of the national Knauss Fellowships, the 2026 Sea Grant-APNEP winner,\u00a0\u00a0remembering B.J. Copeland, and the return of the North Carolina Coastal Conference\u2026<\/p>\n\t \t \n

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The Food Network <\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

Are Predators Following Blue Crabs?<\/strong>

Studying blue crabs and their surrounding aquatic environments can tell us about species higher in the food chain…<\/p>\n\t \t \n

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Gauging Pamlico Sound\u2019s Shrimp Population<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

Shrimpers, Scientists, and What They Tell Us<\/strong>

White shrimp have been on the rise, and a new North Carolina Sea Grant study shows that combining shrimpers\u2019 local knowledge\u00a0with traditional science leads to a clearer picture of why shrimp populations fluctuate…<\/p>\n\t \t \n

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Touring the “Napa Valley of Oysters”<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

Day Trips and Weekend Excursions on the NC Oyster Trail<\/strong>

The NC Oyster Trail features more than 90 sites across the state, stretching from the beaches of Cape Hatteras to the mountains of Cashiers…<\/p>\n\t \t \n

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At the Intersection of Culture, Training, and History<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

The South Atlantic Regional Commercial Fishing Academy and Apprenticeship Program<\/strong>

The diminishing number of commercial fishers threatens the resilience of the nation\u2019s seafood industry \u2014 but apprenticeship programs offer a solution…<\/p>\n\t \t \n

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The Disease Detective<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

Tracing the Spread of Parasites<\/strong>

Glory Kidimbu investigates the transmission of parasitic pathogens to waterways…<\/p>\n\t \t \n

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Behind the Research<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

Repairing Jordan Lake’s Ecosystem with Zooplankton<\/strong>

A larger population of zooplankton could result in more fish, larger fish, and improved sport fishing…<\/p>\n\t \t \n

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When Water Meets Rock<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

Water Quality Impacts from Lithium Mining<\/strong>

Researchers are investigating the residual effects\u00a0of lithium mining \u2014 and shedding light\u00a0on the potential impacts of future\u00a0mining operations…<\/p>\n\t \t \n

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Launching Careers<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

NC STEM Policy Fellows Fuel the Public and Private Spheres<\/strong>

Since the program began in 2020, talented North Carolina graduates have been serving in state offices, gaining valuable insights and experience that have prepared them for key roles in industry and government…<\/p>\n\t \t \n

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Healthy Ecosystems<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

What Strategies Revive Public Oyster Grounds?<\/strong>

Rotating harvests and replenishing shells help oyster reefs recover…<\/p>\n\t \t \n

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Conservation Update<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

Saving Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles<\/strong>

New research could help optimize sea turtle search and rescue…<\/p>\n\t \t \n

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Hook, Line & Science<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

Interviews with Anglers, Cardio for Fish, and More<\/strong>

Half of the fish species in a new study are now inhabiting different areas of the East Coast…<\/p>\n\t \t \n

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Across the Atlantic<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

Cold Water Meets Collective Will<\/strong>

Three southern African countries combine shared governance and regional cooperation to safeguard one of the world\u2019s most productive marine ecosystems…<\/p>\n\t \t \n

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Sea Science<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

Where Oceans Connect<\/strong>

The Panama Canal joins the Pacific and Atlantic, making it a critical route\u00a0for global maritime trade \u2014 but this interoceanic link also increases\u00a0the risk of unintended introductions of marine species to new waters…<\/p>\n\t \t \n

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What the Whales Show<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

PFAS Concentrations in North Atlantic Pilot Whales<\/strong>

Samples during the last three decades show that legacy PFAS are declining in the open ocean, but newer PFAS remain a major unknown and may be accumulating in near-source environments…<\/p>\n\t \t \n

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Letter from Susan White <\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

Executive Director of North Carolina Sea Grant<\/strong>

A report from Tourism Economics says that travelers to our state in 2024 added $37 billion to our economy, up 3.1% from the previous year. North Carolina welcomes over 40 million visitors annually…<\/p>\n\t \t \n

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From Last Year’s Spring Issue…<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

Off the NC Coast:<\/strong> Shipwrecks, Turbidities, and Other Wonders<\/strong>

Take a ride in an imaginary submersible, and explore unique creatures and geological features along the ocean floor. You never know what you’ll find…<\/p>\n\t \t \n

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Rip Currents Safety<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

Share this poster and save a life.<\/strong>

Beachgoers often attempt to swim against a rip current and become exhausted before they can return to shore…<\/p>\n\t \t \n

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