PBS North Carolina’s State of Change initiative examines the impact of climate change on coastal and inland communities across the state and how communities and individuals have responded with innovative solutions. Locally, siltation, salinity, water temperatures and infestation by boring sponges effect oyster survival. North Carolina’s oysters have been declining as a result of over-harvesting, increased stormwater runoff and the resulting pollution, disease, habitat destruction and the influx of invasive species. As biogenic structures, oyster reefs provide erosion control for the marshes and lessen the damaging effects of waves during storms. Small fish and crabs take refuge among the shells, feeding and providing food for other sea life. Oyster reefs provide habitat for a large array of marine life, including algae, barnacles, mussels, sea squirts and tube worms. In the process they cycle nutrients and nitrogen through the water and clean the water of pollutants. They filter water as they feed, and studies show that one oyster can filter 25 to as much 50 gallons of water a day in their quest for food. An assortment of local men, women and children interested in oyster restoration filled out the group.Īlong with being a popular food and a valuable source of jobs, oysters play several important roles in marine ecosystems. Payne is president of the Ocracoke Foundation, which provided the space for the meeting. Coastal Federation board member, Gaskill has been actively involved in oyster restoration. An Ocracoke commercial fisherman and a N.C. James Barrie Gaskill was also at the table along with Robyn Payne. She is encouraging her students to fulfill their community service hours required for graduation by participating in the project. Jennifer Garrish, Ocracoke School’s science teacher, was among those huddled around the table. It’s part of a multi-faceted approach to learn more about the causes and solutions to the recent decline in North Carolina’s oyster populations. Their mission is to train volunteers to participate in the university’s project to monitor baby oysters, or spat. Alphin is with the Center for Marine Science’s Benthic Ecology Lab at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and Tarano is with North Carolina Sea Grant. Ocracoke resident Elizabeth Hanrahan, coordinator of the Ocracoke Foundation’s “Outdoor Classes” project, had teamed up with Troy Alphin and Marc Tarano to organize the meeting. They gathered around the old pot-bellied stove in Ocracoke to learn how to save the oyster. Learn how you can be in the Sponsor Spotlight When you purchase a North Carolina Coastal Federation license plate, you help keep our coast healthy and beautiful. Recent Articles NC peat holds carbon market promise, but process complex Rewetted drained pocosin can do a lot, like store tons of CO2 Construction threatens natural beauty that lured residents Exclusive Carova showcases costs of coastal development.Nutrients in the water: Too much of a good thing.NC Navigation and Federal Infrastructure Spending.End of the Road: Development on Remote Currituck Banks.Recent Articles Handle boat maintenance now for peace of mind this spring Cape Fear River Ghost Trees: What stories could they speak? Surrendering to sweet black water: Exploring the Roanoke Wise lure selection can mean never being unprepared.
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