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North Carolina Sea Grant
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Fisheries Management

Image: Adult white shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus), courtesy of NOAA.

Jan 24, 2026

Why does the number of shrimp in Pamlico Sound vary so much year to year?

A North Carolina Sea Grant study shows that combining shrimpers’ local ecological knowledge with traditional science leads to a clearer picture of why shrimp populations fluctuate.
image: Fishery employee feeds fish.

Jan 12, 2026

New Year, New Skills: Can Exercise Help Hatchery Fish Survive in the Wild?

New research suggests exercise may benefit fish.
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: Otolith cross-section.

Sep 2, 2025

How old is that fish — and why does it matter?

NOAA Fisheries scientists can estimate a fish’s age by analyzing ear bones, scales, or spines.
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.