COASTWATCH COVERS FROM LEFTTO RIGHT: 

 Winter 2006, Spring2004, Early Summer 2006, Spring2005 and Winter 2005. 



"I am very informed — worked on the water most of 

 my life. [Coastwatch] jwst adds to my knowledge. " 



"My family has been visiting N. C. beaches for 50 

 years. We're always interested in coastal issues even though 

 we don't own coastal property. " 



'The magazine has helped me become a better 

 steward of the coast. I wish it reached more people. " 



"The stories have opened many doors in our minds 

 about an area we love and are learningabout. " 



A similar line of questions queried readers 

 about the magazine's role in changing their 

 behavior regarding the same list of coastal topics. 



A majonty report that Coastwatch has caused 

 at least moderate behavioral changes regarding 

 coastal development issues, coastal erosion 

 and storm effects, seafood safety and product 

 development, coastal communities and hentage, 

 coastal water quality, and coastal ecosystems and 

 habitats. 



Examples from responding readers include: 



"As a member of the board of directors of a property 

 owners' association, I have attempted to reduce the size of 

 new homes and curtail the trend to mini-hotels. " 



"Became a coastkeeper through NCCF. " [North 

 Carolina Coastal Federation] 



"Changed our recreational fishing habits — catch/ 

 release. Formatted plan for smart development of my 

 waterfront property — set-backs, erosion control. " 



"Coastwatch has made me aware of problems of 

 rapid development of coastal communities. We have also 

 used Coastwatch as a basis for tourism to historic and 

 noteworthy towns and places. " 



"I have used Coastwatch as a resource for 

 writingenvironmental research papers and in doingso 

 I have changed my stance on environmental issues and 

 development. " 



"Construction issues several years ago — used ideas 

 in my design of house on Harkers Island. " 



"I'm not an activist, but I do understand issues 

 better now." 



"I do try to educate the public about what we send 

 to the coast from rivers. " 



"Spent several years on the Beach Sweep — taking 

 nieces and nephews with us to expand their knowledge. " 



'Too handicapped and tired to do much except talk 

 and encourage others to action. " 



LOOKING AHEAD 



When asked for suggestions on topics for 

 future articles, readers responded with gusto. 



Nearly 200 suggestions were offered, 

 covenng the gamut — from "more coastal ghost 

 stories" to " / am always interested in blue crabs. " 



Others wanted to know more about the 

 Gulf Stream' effects on weather, coastal gardening 

 to preserve native species, flood-map updates, 

 restoration of polluted creeks, invasive species and 

 boating safety — just to name a few. 



"We certainly appreciate all these 

 suggestions. We will consider them as we plan 

 future articles," Moshersays. "Please be patient 

 with us. Your list of ideas is quite extensive." 



The final portion of the survey asked readers 

 to provide general comments on their experiences 

 with Coastwatch. Examples include: 



"Keeps me informed on a variety of issues. Love 

 the history of the different communities. Keep doing what 

 you're doing." 



"It has been much enjoyed throughout the years 

 — even when it was just a newsletter. " 



"I look forward to the magazine coming and will sit 

 and read through it the same day. However, the typing is 

 too small. It should be increased at least one point. " 



COASTWATCH 



SURVEY 



"I thought that it would just be a nice magazine 

 to have around. It has been really informative. Our 

 grandchildren read it, return it and we save the magazine 

 for future reference. Keep up the good work. " 



"I grew up in eastern N.C., now I live in Charlotte. 

 Even though I get Down East regularly, I feel that 

 Coastwatch keeps me connected to my roots. " 



"I would like to see map information that would 

 pinpoint the areas discussed in the articles. You name an 

 area and assume that everyone is familiar with the place 

 in question. " 



"It's an excellent resource — do not forgo the printed 

 copy. It's convenient and easy to use. " 



"It has opened my eyes to N. C. versus global 

 marine/human impacts. " 



Moshersays the results reassure North 

 Carolina Sea Grant that the magazine is serving its 

 educational mission. 



"Our next challenge will be to bring 

 Coastwatch stories to a broader audience 

 — efficiently and effectively." □ 



Hans Vogelsongand David Graefe are in East 

 Carolina University's Department of Recreation and 

 Leisure Studies. North Carolina Sea Grant funded the 

 survey research. 



THANK YOU! 



North Carolina Sea Grant thanks all 

 who took the time and effort to complete 

 the subscriber survey — and those who may 

 participate in future surveys. 



The information makes Coastwatch a better 

 publication, and helps Sea Grant improve its 

 communications with the public on issues 

 relevant to the North Carolina coast. 



All subscriber survey respondents were 

 entered into a drawing to receive a gift package 

 of North Carolina Sea Grant products, including 

 Mariner's Menu, Seashells of North Carolina, and 

 ShifiingShorelines: A Pictorial Atlas of North Carolina 

 Inlets, as well as a free Coastwatch subscription. 



The winner of this package was Robert Davis 

 of Greensboro. Congratulations Robert! We hope 

 you enjoy your prize. 



Five second-place winners also received a 

 free one-year subscription to Coastwatch. 



A complete report on the findings of this 

 survey will be made available online at www. 

 ncseagrant.org next year. — Katie Mosher 



Coastwatch I Holiday 2006 I www.ncseagrant.org 27 



