The Coastal Federation’s half-acre demonstration oyster lease (also known as an oyster farm) is located in Broad Creek, near their Wanchese office. The federation uses this demonstration site to educate people about oyster farming techniques, and show support for the state goal of increasing the oyster farming industry to a $100 M industry by 2030…
In an unprecedented display of bipartisanship, the General Assembly passed SB 648 in 2019 adopting many of the strategy’s recommendations. The bill recognized the potential economic value of shellfish aquaculture in our state, especially as a future economic driver in uniquely economically stressed coastal regions. The bill also called for the development of a formal…
With the support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and the Department of Commerce the North Carolina Coastal Federation has done a feasibility study to determine the most salient needs of the shellfish industry and propose a plan for addressing them. The ultimate goal is to reduce barriers to entry for new individuals interested in…
The federation has hosted the Hatteras Island Oyster Roast since 2014 in Hatteras Village, a special event that promotes local seafood and culture. The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau has sponsored the event and awarded the federation a grant to help offset the costs, from 2017-2020, which has enabled the event to expand each year. 2020:…
Click Here for Restaurant ApplicationClick Here for Volunteer Application Restoration: Recycled oyster shells are a valuable resource in North Carolina. They are used to build new reefs. Free floating baby oysters attach to the new reefs and grow more oysters. Dumping oyster shells in landfills is illegal in North Carolina because of their value for…
Oyster Shell Recycling Program Why Recycle Shells? Oyster reefs are needed in our sounds. Shells are used to build or restore oyster reefs. Baby oysters attach to reefs and grow more oysters. New and Restored Oyster Reefs: Provide important habitat for fish, crabs, shrimp, and other seafood. Reduce sound side erosion. Clean our estuaries as more…
Learn more State of the Oyster: 2018 Progress Report The Oyster Restoration and Protection Plan for North Carolina: A Blueprint for Action 2021-2025 NCOysters.org North Carolina Shellfish Mariculture Plan: 2017-2018 Plan Development Process A multi-stakeholder group worked together to create a shellfish mariculture plan for North Carolina in order to grow the industry in a sustainable way. Shellfish…
The North Carolina Coastal Federation launched the 50 Million Oyster Initiative in 2017, with a goal of establishing 50 acres of new oyster habitat in the state by 2020. To reach this goal, the federation and partners are building 40 acres of reef at the Swan Island Oyster Sanctuary. These acres are part of the…
By the numbers 140 Million Oysters Restored: 43 acres of oyster reef habitat Filtered: 7 billion gallons of water daily Supported: Millions of fish and wildlife The Restoration ContinuesYou can support even more oyster restoration by supporting Adopt an Oyster. Adopt an Oyster From 2017 to 2020, the federation and partners worked to build acres…
The 52-acre Morris Landing Clean Water Preserve contains coastal shrub scrub and forest habitat, salt marsh and tidal creek areas and has over 3,000 feet of shoreline along Stump Sound. The preserve is located in the heart of the very productive shellfish growing areas of Stump Sound, and is an excellent site to stage oyster…
