Changing land-use patterns, development and increasing populations around North Carolina — both in the coastal zone and upland areas — are taking their toll on the state’s waterways and natural resources. Degraded habitats and poor water quality affect the productivity of living resources, and jeopardize coastal and estuarine ecosystems.

North Carolina Sea Grant brings together research scientists, resource managers and communities to facilitate research, outreach and education about these unique habitats. We help stakeholders determine how to balance their communities’ needs while respecting and maintaining the natural environment.

Highlights

Coastal Landscapes

A multi-partner effort that includes North Carolina Sea Grant aims to address coastal landscaping at every stage of the process, from planning and design to installation and management.

Dunes

• Return of the Dunes: The Science of Post-Florence Recovery
  Florence moved a significant portion of sand offshore, but post-storm waves immediately began the slow process of bringing it back.
• The Dune Book
  A comprehensive look at sand dune formation, vegetation, erosion, and management practices.

Algal Blooms

• Algal Bloom Fact Sheet
  Under the right conditions, algae can multiply to high concentrations called blooms. This fact sheet describes how blooms form, and when they’re considered harmful.
• Chowan Edenton Environmental Group Community Scientist Water and Air Quality Monitoring Manual
  A research team from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Institute of Marine Sciences developed these guidelines for collecting water samples.

North Carolina Sentinel Site Cooperative

Cooperative partners work collaboratively across disciplines to provide research, monitoring and information that together address flooding, inundation and sea level rise.

Stream Restoration

Sea Grant helped restore Rocky Branch, an urban creek that runs through the heart of the North Carolina State University campus.

Sustainability Series

Sea Grant’s Sustainability Series is designed for local officials seeking sustainable solutions in their coastal communities.

Tidal Creeks

In collaboration with our regional counterparts, Sea Grant organizes meetings for stakeholders to discuss the status of tidal creeks in the southeast.