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North Carolina Sea Grant
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conservation

Man holding a red drum

Dec 29, 2025

Does tagging affect red drum?

A new study shows that the act of tagging itself impacts growth rates — but that the effects could be temporary.
image: white grunt.

Dec 8, 2025

Where, when, and why do white grunts live off the Carolinas?

Scientists document long-term patterns of a fish most popular with children and beginners.
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.