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.

Marine Debris

Sea Grant Marine Debris Grantee PolyGone Announces the Grand Opening of its Microplastic Removal Pilot

PolyGone Systems is pleased to announce the Grand Opening of the Microplastic Removal Pilot Project and the Educational Pavilion at the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA)! The Grand Opening will take place on September 12, 2024, at the Atlantic County Utilities Authority Wastewater Treatment Facility.

The event will showcase PolyGone Systems’ industrial-scale microplastic removal pilot project within the Atlantic County Utilities Authority’s Wastewater Treatment Facility. Alongside the pilot deployment, PolyGone will unveil the Microplastic Educational Pavilion, an on-site exhibition for public visitors and students to learn about microplastic pollution and PolyGone’s environmental mission. Keynote speakers from the NOAA Sea Grant Office will be featured at the Grand Opening.

Catch up with Sea Grant and USCRP at ASBPA National Coastal Conference

The American Shore & Beach Preservation Association’s National Coastal Conference welcomes all coastal stakeholders and managers to learn the latest science, engineering and policy needed

Sea Grant programs receive awards through NOAA Climate Resilience Regional Challenge

The NOAA Office for Coastal Management’s Climate Resilience Regional Challenge is funding projects to increase resilience to extreme weather events and address longer-term, chronic climate hazards. This one-time, $575 million competitive grant program is providing the opportunity to collaboratively implement transformational regional projects that will build immediate and long-term resilience in coastal areas.