Rip Current Research, NC State Parks, and Coastal North Carolina Featured in Coastwatch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
E-Ching Lee, 919-515-9098, eching_lee@ncsu.edu

Posted Monday, July 20, 2015

New findings about rip currents may affect how rescue professionals and beachgoers look at the ocean. In North Carolina Sea Grant’s Summer 2015 issue of Coastwatch magazine, Rebecca Nagy speaks with Sea Grant and UNC Wilmington researchers who seek to better understand this beach hazard.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of legislation that authorized the establishment of the North Carolina State Parks system. In commemoration, Gov. Pat McCrory declared the first week of March as North Carolina State Parks Week. E-Ching Lee highlights park locations along the coast.

Join coastal research fellow Shannon Brown for a visit to the Rachel Carson Reserve to learn about her work recording and analyzing the sounds of underwater ecosystems.

North Carolina’s Coastal Conference this spring brought together researchers, resource managers, public officials and business leaders for a discussion of coastal ecosystems and economies. Katie Mosher shares highlights of the conference.

Under the guidance of teacher Katie Neller, students from First Flight High School in Dare County have been monitoring the state’s northern coast for harmful algal blooms for a decade. Lee catches up with them.

The North Carolina alligator population is growing — but still vulnerable. Jack Horan reports on a recent alligator population survey and whether there will be a hunting season.

If you need a break from the glaring sun and crowded beaches, why not visit a North Carolina maritime forest? Join Nichole Riddle to learn what you can find.

With the heat wave this summer, more folks are heading to the coast. Bring your towel and this rip current poster with safety tips on your next beach outing.

Coastwatch is the flagship publication of North Carolina Sea Grant. Many current and past Coastwatch stories can be viewed online at www.nccoastwatch.org. To request a sample copy of Coastwatch, write to Coastwatch, North Carolina Sea Grant, NC State University, Box 8605, Raleigh, NC 27695-8605; call 919-515-9101; or send an email to sandra_harris@ncsu.edu.

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NOTE TO EDITORS: The text of stories that appear in Coastwatch may be reprinted with the following credit: Reprinted from Coastwatch, a publication of North Carolina Sea Grant. For a complimentary copy, call 919-515-9101 or send an email to sandra_harris@ncsu.edu.

For reprint requests regarding photos in Coastwatch, contact E-Ching Lee, 919-515-9098, eching_lee@ncsu.edu.

North Carolina Sea Grant: Your link to research and resources for a healthier coast