o m the top 



Dear Readers, 



This month, Coastwatch takes a look at tourism, a 

 vital part of the coastal economy. 



First, Jeannie Faris examines the pros and cons of this 

 hospitable industry. Tourism is the backbone of many 

 coastal county economies, yet it's not without costs to the 

 environment and the local communities. She'll look at the 

 issue from both sides. 



Carla Burgess asks tourism directors in Dare, New 

 Hanover and Carteret counties how they market their 

 respective niches of the Tar Heel coast. They talk about 

 the ways they target their advertising to attract more 

 visitors, especially during the off-seasons of spring, fall 

 and winter. 



Then I tell you more about our coastal guests - who 

 they are, where they come from, how long they stay and 

 how they rate our bounty of beaches. Finally, I provide a 

 rundown of some activities that can make a coastal visit 

 more than just a week under the beach umbrella. 



I hope you find the issue thought-provoking and 

 informative. And I'd like to remind many of you that your 

 subscription is expiring. You should have already re- 

 ceived some renewal information. Please take the time to 

 renew your subscription. We want to continue giving you 

 the best information available about the North Carolina 

 coast. 



And we've got a deal for you. Just send us the name 

 and address of a friend you think might be interested in 

 Coastwatch, and we'll send him or her a complimentary 

 copy of the magazine along with some subscription 

 information. We'll send it just once, and we promise not 

 to bother your friend again. 



It's a way for us to introduce our magazine to 

 potential new subscribers and a way for you to share a 

 good thing with friends. Please take advantage of our 

 offer. 



See you next issue, 



Kathy Hart 



in this 



issue 



Page 4 



Coastal Tourism: A Balancing Act ... 2 



Selling the Seaside Year-Round ... 8 



Guess Who's Coming to Visit ... 12 



Anyone for Surfing, Sailing and Sea Kayaking? 



Young Mariners 

 Getting Out of a Bind ... 18 



From Sound to Sea 

 Counting the Creatures ... 19 



Marine Advice 

 A Flurry of Festivities. . . 20 



Field Notes 

 Sorting Through the Garbage ... 21 



The Aft Deck ... 22 



Back Talk ... 24 



The Book Store ... 25 



09 



. 15 



N.C. DOCUMENTS 



CLEARINGHOUSE 



AUG 10 1992 



N.C. STATE LIBRARY 

 RALEIGH 



Page 19 



COASTWATCH 1 



