Science at the Coast

This summer, our central region coastal education coordinator, Rachel Bisesi, teamed up with Duke University Marine Lab to lead lessons along their shore for Carteret County Public School middle schoolers. So far, we’ve led marsh and estuary lessons with Newport, Morehead City, and Broad Creek Middle schoolers.

One of the highlights of being at the marine lab was that the students got to see real scientists in action! While we were on the dock, we met Cyrille Teforlack, a second-year graduate student at Duke. He taught us about the sea urchins he had just collected for his research.

Meet the Makers

Join the Coastal Federation on Wednesday, August 13th, for a special reception celebrating the traveling Oyster Photo Exhibit, a collaborative project of North Carolina Sea Grant and the NC Oyster Trail. This inspiring exhibit highlights the hardworking individuals behind North Carolina’s growing oyster industry and honors the ecological, cultural, and economic value of oysters to our coast.

Special Guest Appearances:

  • Mandy Uticone, owner of Carolina Beach Oyster Company. Mandy will share her firsthand experiences as a grower, talk about the realities of working on the water, and answer all your oyster-related questions—like whether you really can enjoy oysters year-round!
  • Justin Kase Conder, the Raleigh-based photographer behind the exhibit. With over 27 years of experience and a passion for connecting with people through his lens, Justin will share behind-the-scenes stories from his time photographing oyster farmers across the state. His images capture the authenticity and dedication of those who bring oysters from sea to table.
  • Dr. Jane Harrison, Coastal Economics Specialist with North Carolina Sea Grant and coordinator of the NC Oyster Trail. Jane will discuss the vital role oysters play in North Carolina’s coastal economies and share insights into the Trail’s efforts to promote sustainable seafood tourism and support the state’s shellfish industry.

Whether you’re a longtime shellfish fan or simply curious about sustainable aquaculture, this is a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate North Carolina’s vibrant oyster heritage. Light refreshments and beverages will be provided.

Learn More

Credit: Justin Kase Conder

Credit: Justin Kase Conder

Credit: Justin Kase Conder

Save the Coast, Become a Member!

Did you know that almost half of the Coastal Federation’s annual budget comes from gifts from people just like you? Your membership helps support our efforts to protect and restore our invaluable North Carolina coast, and right now is the perfect time to join us! If you sign up to become a member before September 27 (or refer a friend), you’ll be entered into our raffle for a chance to win an amazing weekend getaway.

You could win:

  • Weekend stay for two with breakfast at the Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center
  • $100 gift certificate to PinPoint Restaurant

Refer a Friend!

After you join (or if you’re already a member), use this form to send an e-card to a friend inviting them to join the Federation. For each ecard you send before 5:00 pm EST on Sept. 27, 2025, you’ll get one entry into the raffle. and, Hunter, and their dogs, Lola, a Chihuahua mix, and Cardi, a “Philippine Street dog”. She and Hunter were married on April 19th in Surf City. As an active-duty Marine, Hunter is preparing for a deployment. Outside of work, Britta enjoys running, then, when peace is offered, quiet time at home with her family.

Join Today!

One Night, Two Fantastic Events

Have you secured your tickets to the coastal event of the year yet? There is still time to save on early bird pricing for the Taste of the Coast Celebration. This year’s event is set to take place at the Crystal Coast Civic Center on the beautiful Morehead City waterfront on September 20. 

The celebration will feature great food, drinks, local oysters, live music, and a silent auction! Get your tickets today and use the discount code EARLY by 5:00 pm on August 15 to save 10%. 
Earlier in the evening, there will be another special event to honor and recognize our coastal champions during the Federation’s annual Pelican Awards. We hope you’ll make plans to celebrate this year’s recipients. For more information about the event, please visit our website.

2024 Taste of the Coast
2024 Taste of the Coast
2024 Taste of the Coast

Wetlands Need Your Help

Nearly two million acres of wetlands in North Carolina have recently been put at risk, thanks to a landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that eliminated federal protections of this critical part of our ecosystem. Wetlands provide habitat for a huge number of species, improve water quality, and protect our communities from flooding and hurricane impacts.

The Coastal Federation is advocating for stronger protections for wetlands right now by:

  • Submitting comment letters to the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
  • Publishing articles in Coastal Review  and sharing content with other news sources,
  • Raising awareness through public engagement campaigns, and
  • Encouraging people to speak up by attending public hearings and contacting their representatives. 

We urgently need your support for this campaign. Please give today to help protect our wetlands!

Give Today!

Press Association Awards Coastal Review’s Reporting

We are excited to share that the Coastal Review team has once again been recognized for editorial excellence by the North Carolina Press Association, which recently announced its 2025 awards.

Read more about the awards the team was recognized with, including a first-place award in the “The Media and the Law Awards of Excellence” category sponsored by the North Carolina Bar Association on Coastal Review, coastalreview.org.

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