Sea Grant research led to requirements for deeper pilings to 

 provide resistance for oceanfront homes. 



Photo hy Spencer Rogers 



Marine educator Lundie Spence shows teachers the treasures 



to be found along Cape Hatteras beaches. Photo by Michael Halminski 



♦ Initiation of a flounder aquaculture program based on 

 lessons learned with hybrid striped bass; 



♦ A multidisciplinary approach that includes research on 

 fish disease and immunology as well as optimal nutrition in fish feed; 

 and 



♦ Support of shellfish aquaculture through research and 

 outreach, including an innovative off-bottom system for oyster culture. 



COASTAL PROCESSES 



Since 1974, development along the North Carolina coast has 

 been governed by the Coastal Area Management Act. Sea Grant 

 research provided the background not only for much of the 

 original act, but also for the ongoing updates and current discus- 

 sions regarding the natural hazards along the barrier islands and 

 surrounding estuarine waters. Highlights of this work include: 



♦ Research and outreach programs on the role of sand dunes 

 — and critical dune plants — in protecting oceanfront property; 



♦ Similar efforts regarding marsh grasses and low-cost 

 structures for shoreline erosion control; 



♦ A guide for buying vacation real estate, developed in 

 partnership with the N.C. Real Estate Commission and the N.C. 

 Division of Coastal Management; 



♦ Research leading to building code requirements for deeper 

 pilings to brace oceanfront homes against hurricane-force wind 

 and storm surge. In Hurricane Fran, 500 older homes with shorter 

 pilings were destroyed, but newer homes with deeper pilings 

 remained; and 



♦ Studies outlining requirements for sheet-metal connectors 

 that do not corrode quickly in the harsh coastal conditions. 



MARINE EDUCATION 



To educate people of all ages about the state's marine 

 environment, Sea Grant has developed a variety of educational 

 programs — from a coastal issues course for graduate students to a 

 seminar on flood effects for teachers. Marine educator Lundie 

 Spence also led coordination of the first environmental education 

 course in the University of North Carolina System at four 

 universities. In addition, Sea Grant has: 



♦ Through partnerships with UNC-TV and others, brought 

 science to the public by developing documentaries on Hurricane 

 Fran and harmful algal blooms. The videos also provide teachers 

 up-to-date research on hurricanes and water quality issues, 

 including Pfiesteria; 



♦ Developed curricula on coastal topics, including geology, 

 seawater and ecology; 



Continued 



COASTWATCH 



