Expanding Oyster Aquaculture Benefits North Carolina's Economy and Environment

Expanding Oyster Aquaculture Benefits North Carolina’s Economy and Environment

April 18, 2022

North Carolina’s oyster aquaculture industry is growing to serve local businesses. Photo credit: Vanda Lewis

The North Carolina oyster industry is a major economic resource for the state with an estimated value of $4.54 million for wild oyster harvest and a farm-gate value of $450,000 for aquacultured oysters. North Carolina Sea Grant and partners lead efforts to share the economic and environmental benefits of shellfish, which include improved water quality and habitat.

A major hurdle for oyster aquaculture and reef restoration alike is the carbonate-boring sponge that limits reef growth. One Sea Grant research team — a university scientist and a local fisherman — combined their knowledge and talents to develop a biodegradable substrate that promotes oyster growth while limiting sponges and other oyster enemies. The team’s new business is drawing international attention for its sustainable technology and fast-growing oysters.

American Lobster

Sea Grant’s American Lobster Initiative awards $5.4 million to further innovative research and outreach in support of the lobster industry and fishing communities

Since 2019, Sea Grant’s American Lobster Initiative has addressed critical knowledge gaps about the American lobster and its fishery facing a dynamic and changing environment. The Initiative supports a regional extension program in the Northeast and a national research competition. Fifteen emerging research projects were selected in 2023 and 2024 for $4.6 million in federal funding by the NOAA National Sea Grant College Program. Coordinated by Maine Sea Grant since 2019, the Northeast lobster extension program was recently renewed with an $840,000 federal award that supports work through 2026.

Sea Grant announces $987, 361 to fund 2024 Young Fishermen’s Career Development projects

Sea Grant announces $987, 361 to fund 2024 Young Fishermen’s Career Development projects Today, NOAA’s National Sea Grant Office is pleased to announce the selection

Sea Grant welcomes 2025 Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship finalists

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Sea Grant College Program is thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2025 class of the Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship. This year, for the first time in program history, all eligible Sea Grant programs are represented by a diverse cohort of 88 early-career professionals who will spend the next year working alongside federal agencies or legislative offices in Washington, D.C., applying their academic expertise to critical marine, coastal and Great Lakes policy issues.