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North Carolina Sea Grant
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conservation

image: blue crabs.

Nov 10, 2025

Why is North Carolina’s blue crab population declining?

Scientists look at clues from times before and after the decrease began. 
image: Anglers identify signs of barotrauma on a red snapper.

Oct 13, 2025

How does deep hooking affect red snapper survival?

Jaw-hooked red snapper and deep-hooked red snapper respond differently after release.
image: Oyster replenishment.

Sep 15, 2025

What strategies help revive public oyster grounds?

Rotating harvests and replenishing shells help oyster reefs recover, while still supporting fishing.
image: juvenile stone crab.

Aug 11, 2025

How does claw harvesting affect stone crabs?

Harvesting stone crab claws can weaken their nutritional health and raise parasite levels.
image: Greater amberjack.

Jul 28, 2025

Which structures in artificial reefs do fish choose to use?

The answers may help improve the conservation of several species.
logo: SA Release Rodeo.

Jun 30, 2025

What kind of gear can you win from the South Atlantic Release Rodeo?

Circle hooks and lead weights, a kite rod and reel combo, and a Turtlebox speaker.
image: ghost gear.

Jun 9, 2025

What happens to abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear?

A new study suggests how much ghost gear might be out there.
dolphinfish, caught off Hatteras.

Jun 2, 2025

Are big dolphinfish getting harder to catch?

Two decades of fishing data raise concerns about this offshore favorite. 
image: artificial reef.

May 26, 2025

Can 3D modeling help protect artificial reefs?

Emerging technologies can be important tools for conservation.
image: blue crab.

May 19, 2025

Are predators following blue crabs?

Studying blue crabs and their surrounding aquatic environments can tell us about species higher in the food chain.