North Carolina Oyster Restoration Project Trains the Next Generation of Marine Scientists

The North Carolina Coastal Federationis taking a new, transformational approach to restoration. They are partnering with the state Division of Marine Fisheriesto construct more than 100 acres of oyster reef habitat in the Pamlico Sound. They're also preparing science students to tackle the country's conservation and coastal resilience challenges. NOAA's Office of Habitat Conservationawarded the Federation $14.9 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Actfor this work.

They are partnering with North Carolina State University's Center for Marine Sciences and Technology(CMAST) and North Carolina Central University(NCCU), a Historically Black University. These partnerships are expanding opportunities for underrepresented students.

"With climate change, sea level rise, and all the other things the environment is experiencing, we need to train the next generation of restoration practitioners," says Dr. Dave Eggleston, Director of CMAST. "We also know that the more diverse the workforce, the better the ideas generated."

"NOAA's support is reaching students who might not have realized that they have the talent and the skills to do marine research and conservation," says CMAST graduate student Rebecca Ruiz, who is co-advised by Eggleston. "You're expanding the pool of people who can advance ecosystem improvements. Knowing there is support out there and that people see me as valuable to their organization or agency has been extremely helpful in pushing me through this career."

"The research conducted through this project is helping to inform future oyster restoration and management strategies," says Erin Fleckenstein, oyster program director for the Federation and project lead. "For example, the results of Rebecca's research will help us understand how to design future reefs to attract and support important fish species in the sound and may help to inform management actions on these reefs."

We spoke with Rebecca and two other students participating in this initiative. Read their interviews here:

Since 1996, the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries has restored nearly 400 acres of oyster reefs in the Senator Jean Preston Oyster Sanctuary Network in Pamlico Sound. They completed the work in partnership with the North Carolina Coastal Federation and others, with state funds and NOAA's support. With the most recent NOAA funds, the Federation and Division will expand the sanctuary to 500 acres.

Researchers from the Division of Marine Fisheries, CMAST, NCCU, and NOAA's National Ocean Service laboratory in Beaufort, North Carolina, will examine the benefits of the restored oyster reefs. They will monitor the settlement of oyster larvae on the new reefs and then track the oysters' growth and survivorship over time. They will also observe what other species use the restored reef habitat, including important recreational and commercial fish.

Students will assist with these efforts. NOAA funds will cover the following:

• Tuition, living stipends, and scientific training for up to eight graduate students from CMAST and NCCU who are pursuing research in oyster restoration and health
• Marine science fellowships at CMAST for three undergraduates every summer
• Field trips to restoration sites and research laboratories for up to 80 undergraduates
• Opportunities for students to teach elementary and high school students about environmental science

Additional partners include:

• North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries
• Research Triangle Institute, International
• North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island

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