From the Editor 



Winter Tales 



It's bigger. It's better. But it's still 

 Coastwatch. 



With this issue, Coastwatch expands 

 by eight pages, offering you more 

 articles on the North Carolina coast at no 

 extra cost. 



Clearly, the Tar Heel coast is 

 changing, and its population is growing. 

 With these changes comes the need for 

 more information about issues, people, 

 places and natural resources. To con- 

 tinue in its commitment to cover our coastal region, North 

 Carolina Sea Grant decided to expand its flagship commu- 

 nications vehicle — Coastwatch. 



Going one step further, we surveyed some of our 

 readers to learn what topics and issues interested you. Your 

 candid responses helped us shape the content and focus of 

 our expanded magazine. We appreciate the help. And we've 

 updated our design, making space for more photographs, 

 illustrations and tidbits of information. 



Now it's time to show the results of our efforts. The 

 new Coastwatch is unveiled. 



Up front in Coastal Tidings, the 

 magazine offers briefs about the marine 

 environment, ongoing research, pertinent 

 publications and resources for further 

 information. 



Then settle back and enjoy feature 

 stories that explore complicated issues, 

 acquaint you with coastal people and 

 places, highlight research breakthroughs 

 and return you to simpler times. Staff 

 and free-lance writers take you from 

 Currituck to Calabash and points in between. I promise it 

 will be a trip worth taking. 



Finally, the sections at the back of the magazine are 

 loaded with facts on fishing, seafood, books, nature, 

 science, and people and places. These sections are designed 

 to help readers understand and enjoy our coastal region 

 more fully. 



So kick back, put up your feet and catch the latest on 

 the Carolina coast. 



Kathy Hart, Managing Editor 



Contributors 



Writers: 



David Cecelski • Daun Daemon • Odile Fredericks • Kathy Hart • Jeannie Faris Norris • Julie Ann Powers 



Photographers: 

 Jim Bahen • Herman Lankford • Scott D. Taylor 



Illustrator: 

 Anne Marshall Runyon 



