North Carolina Sea Grant provides expert assistance to the state’s diverse seafood and fishing industries. Staff members serve on state, regional or national advisory panels for topics, such as shrimp or red drum. They also link university researchers to those in the commercial and recreational fishing, aquaculture, and seafood industries to improve fisheries research efforts, and then bring the results to stakeholders.

Sea Grant helps coastal communities sustain commercial fishing livelihoods and culture, reduce bycatch and encourage the long-term health of our fisheries. Our team also develops initiatives to assist recreational anglers, marinas and other business owners. They also collaborate with new aquaculture ventures in the state, guiding these enterprises to meet the demands of increasing seafood consumption.

Check out the resources below, and for more information you can access our Primer on North Carolina’s Seafood.

Highlights

COVID-19 Economic Assistance and Resources

The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was developed to provide elements of financial assistance to businesses that COVID-19 has affected economically. North Carolina Sea Grant provides coastal businesses with links to the federal programs through CARES and other information resources.

Seafood Economic Impact Study

Research published in 2021 considers the impact of commercial fisheries on local economies and the state overall. Among the findings: North Carolina’s wild-caught seafood industry contributes nearly $300 million in value and 5,500 jobs to the state’s economy.

Coastal and Marine Aquaculture

North Carolina Sea Grant offers a collection of resources for those interested in marine aquaculture, including a shellfish siting tool for current and future growers.

Producer Resources

North Carolina Sea Grant continues its national leadership in efforts to help fishermen market and brand their seafood.

Consumer Awareness

Consumers need to know the source of their seafood. North Carolina Sea Grant is helping make the public more aware of the seasonal availability of fish and shellfish — and how to identify what is fresh.

Mercury in Local Seafood

Results from a pair of studies by researchers from Duke University and North Carolina State University suggest that seafood consumption recommendations on mercury and PCB levels should use local, rather than regional or national, data.

Influencing Fishery Management

Results from collaborative state-funded fishery research, administered by North Carolina Sea Grant, have been incorporated into state and regional fishery management decisions.

Lessons in Mariculture

These 10 resources introduce high schoolers to various aspects of marine aquaculture, including its history and different production methods.