FROM THE EDITOR 



/I 



Avoiding Invasions 



nvasive Species. The title may bring to mind late-night science 

 fiction, a Hollywood blockbuster, or even a summer beach novel. 



But we hope that Coastwatch readers have become familiar with 

 the real-life problems associated with invasive species that take precious 

 habitat and food away from plants and animals that are native to a 

 particular ecosystem. 



In recent years, we have shared stories on giant salvinia, lionfish, 

 the ripa whelk and phragmites. And in this issue, we showcase efforts of 

 the Carolinas Beach Vitex Task Force to stop the introduction and spread 

 of an invasive dune plant. 



Now, North Carolina Sea Grant is leading a major public education 

 effort focusing on invasive species. While our Coastwatch readership is 

 loyal and responsive, our new audience could total millions per year. 



In fact, we will have the opportunity to reach more folks than all 

 major league sports audiences in the country combined — because we 

 will be partners with the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. 



Known as AZA, the association boasts more than 200 member 

 institutions around the country — including the three locations of the 

 North Carolina Aquariums, as well as the North Carolina Zoological 

 Park and the Western North Carolina Nature Center. 



Our link with AZA includes a former colleague: Steve Olson, AZA 

 government affairs director, who previously served as North Carolina 

 Sea Grant's associate director for outreach. Since Steve moved to AZA 

 in 2000, we have talked about potential collaborations to link Sea Grant 

 science with AZA audiences. Those discussions led to a successful 

 proposal to the National Sea Grant College Program's strategic initiative 

 on invasive species outreach. 



In addition to the AZA headquarters, lead partners on the project 

 include the North Carolina Aquariums and Georgia Sea Grant. And we 

 have the benefit of an outstanding advisory committee with Sea Grant 

 and AZA representatives from around the country, as well as experts from 



IN THIS ISSUE 



Contributing Writers: 

 Kathleen Angione □ Ann Green □ Jamie Harris 

 Erin Selling s Pam Smith 



Contributing Photographers: 

 Wendy Allen □ Randy Gregory □ Chuck Gresham 

 Michael Halminski a Becky Kirkland ° RayMidgett 

 Erin Seiling □ Dale Suiter ° Scott Taylor □ Carole Yoder 



North Carolina's diverse coast offers countless interestingsubjects. 

 The large dots on the map indicate story settings in this issue — 

 including Pasquotank, Brunswick and Carteret counties. 



government agencies and cooperative projects, such as the Southeast 

 Aquatic Resources Partnership. 



The culmination of our efforts will be an informal education 

 program that can be offered in each AZA facility — in an aquarium 

 auditorium, or on the sidewalk of a zoo. Our challenge is to keep the 

 program fun and interesting for all ages, yet provide sound science as 

 "take home messages." 



These messages will focus on pathways of introduction and spread 

 to which families and individuals can relate — home aquariums and 

 water gardens, recreational boating and baitfish. 



Watch for updates on the project. 



Updating Seacoast Plants of the Carolinas 



In the coming months, we hope to jump start our efforts to update 

 and reprint Seacoast Plants of the Carolinas: For Conservation and 

 Beautification. First published in 1973 as a partnership with the U.S. 

 Department of Agriculture's Soil Conservation Service, Seacoast Plants 

 is considered by many to be an authoritative text for coastal property 

 owners in North and South Carolina. 



In recent years, the book has been out of print — thanks to a 

 combination of its popularity and a flood in our basement storage area. 



As we gather partners to develop and produce the new edition, 

 we hope to keep the best elements offered by original author, Karl E. 

 Graetz, while providing greater emphasis on native plant communities 

 and ecosystems. 



Are you a fan of Seacoast Plants'? If so, take a few minutes to send 

 an email to katie_mosher@ncsu.edu to tell us why. 



Or maybe you are a newcomer to coastal Carolina. Let us 

 know what information you need to know when you are considering 

 landscaping your piece of heaven on the coast. 



Katie Mosher, Managing Editor 



