Coastal Tidings 2 



Fishy Gifts for Christmas 



Make holiday shopping a coastal catch. Net unique, yet inexpensive, 

 kitchen gadgets that help to prepare, cook or serve seafood. From 

 lemon squeezers to oyster knifes, kitchen utensils offer endless 

 possibilities for gifts and stocking staffers 6 



Discovering Decoys 



Hewn from wood and steeped in tradition, waterfowl decoys are 

 tools of the past that are inspiring interest as collector items and 

 decorating accessories. Coastal carvers welcome the revival of 

 their craft 1 



Tours of Historic Homes Remember Christmases Past 



North Carolinians celebrated Christmas in the 1 8th century by 

 opening their homes to revelers and visitors. It was a time to 

 socialize and relax. Now, holiday tours of historic coastal homes 

 offer a glimpse into the decorations and traditions of these 

 yuletides past 1 6 



A Historian's Coast: Small Miracles 



For more than a century, bottle-nosed dolphins were harvested off 

 North Carolina's coast for their oil and skin. It took a small miracle 

 and federal legislation nearly 75 years ago to save them 20 



People & Places: St. Thomas Episcopal Church 



Built in 1743, St. Thomas Episcopal is the oldest church building 



still left standing in North Carolina. Where can you find it? 



In Bath, the state's oldest town 24 



Naturalist's Notebook: Thar She Blows! 



Whale watching is an annual ritual on the West Coast, but the 

 massive mammals also pass through North Carolina waters this 

 time of year 26 



Book Market: Good Books for Your Favorite Kids 



Pirates, lighthouses, coastal folk tales, maritime adventure, 



seaside nature — all make terrific gifts for young people 28 



The Catch: Keyhole Clamming 



With a little know-how — and a sturdy back — you can search for 

 signs of clams and take home a bucket of bivalves for dinner 30 



Sea Science: HACCP Compliance 



In mid-December, new federal regulations aimed at the seafood 

 processing industry seek to provide a safer supply of fish and 

 shellfish products for the American public. Sea Grant has played 

 a role in preparing the seafood industry for these upcoming 

 changes 32 



COASTWATCH 1 



