have an important place in the overall Sea Grant mission. 

 Highlights include work in the following areas: 



♦ Equipment: The extension program has demonstrated a 

 variety of equipment, gear and techniques to make fishing less 

 labor intensive and more efficient. Examples include "green- 

 stick" technology in the tuna fishery, the skimmer trawl for the 

 shrimp fishery, electric and hydraulic crab pot pullers and 

 development of gear for the live flounder market; 



♦ Stock assessment and habitat: Data for improved 

 fisheries management have been obtained on a number of species 

 such as blue crabs, red drum, flounder, striped bass, menhaden 

 and striped mullet. Such research provides critical background 

 for the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries' emerging fishery 

 management plans; 



♦ Crab shedding: Introduction of new crab-shedding 

 technology has helped small shedding operations increase 

 income 10-fold since the 1970s. Closed recirculating shedders, 

 new filtration devices, floating shedders and new methods for 

 peeler grading and soft crab handling are a few of the contribu- 

 tions Sea Grant has made to this important industry; 



♦ Bycatch reduction: Fish and fowl, sea turtles and 

 marine mammals all benefit from Sea Grant's efforts to reduce 

 bycatch of nontargeted species in various fisheries. In particular, 

 bycatch in the shrimp fishery was reduced 50 percent. Develop- 

 ment of turtle escape devices and biodegradable escape panels 

 for crab pots and certification of bycatch reduction devices are a 

 few of the ways Sea Grant helps protect species while preserving 

 fishing heritage; 



♦ Recreational fishing: Circle hooks increase survival in 

 catch-and-release fishing, while Sea Grant-sponsored safety 

 workshops and publications increase survival of anglers — 

 helping to make recreational fishing a safe and enjoyable 

 pastime; and 



♦ Tracking fish: Sea Grant worked with NOAA's 

 National Weather Service and the National Environmental 

 Satellite Service in the past to provide fishers with information 

 on the location of the Gulf Stream off the North Carolina coast. 

 Sea Grant also has provided charts for sport fishing to help locate 

 prime fishing areas. 



COMMUNICATIONS 



Getting the word out has been a key element of the North 

 Carolina Sea Grant success. From simple newsletters to the 

 award-winning books and videos, Sea Grant has considered both 

 the medium and the message, providing solid information in 

 useful formats. Highlights over the years include: 



Sea Grant communicators go into the field for first-hand views 

 of coastal research. Here, Ann Green interviews Martin Posey 



for the story on page 42. Photo by Scon D. Taylor 



The streams, lakes and sounds of coastal North Carolina are 

 essential habitat for economically important fish species, and 



the source of recreational enjoyment for citizens. Photo by Scott D. Taylor 



10 HIGH SEASON 2001 



