In 2025 the Federation will ramp up our work to protect and restore the coast by collaborating with and engaging people from all walks of life who are committed to preserving the coast now and for future generations.
For starters, we will be implementing projects within several of our existing priority coastal watersheds like Lake Mattamuskeet, Stump Sound, and Bradley Hewletts Creek. We will also advance our work to retrofit failing stormwater systems through a new pilot cost-share program. In addition, we will work with our key partners to restore ditched and drained land to improve coastal water quality.
Our salt marsh team will be digging deeper into the 5-year NC Salt Marsh Action Plan launched in 2024 and begin implementing projects to protect and restore the vital coastal marsh. Part of this work will include both large-scale shoreline restoration projects and smaller projects through our successful living shoreline cost-share program. In addition, we will kick start a project to restore about 600 acres of coastal habitat.
For our oyster team, 2025 will result in the construction of another 40 acres of oyster sanctuaries in the Pamlico Sound and 10 acres of oyster habitat in the southeastern region of the state. The team will also be working with partners to begin construction on the first shellfish aquaculture hub in Carteret County, which, once complete, will support shellfish growers in a number of ways. The team will also work to expand the oyster shell recycling program with the goal of recycling 14,000 bushels of shells.
The marine debris team plans to remove 26 abandoned and derelict vessels while working with partners to set up a long-term state program to streamline the enforcement, removal, and prevention efforts. Finally, our large-scale debris removal efforts will also continue, with the goal of removing 500,000 tons of debris from coastal marshes, creeks, and waters.
We’re ready to get to work and combined, these efforts will make great strides toward protecting and restoring the coast.
In addition to all of the work our staff and partners are doing this year, there is also a chance for volunteers to be involved in our efforts! So roll up your sleeves and join us at one of the debris clean-up events happening in our three coastal regions.
On January 20, you can join volunteers for the Coastal Clean-up Crusade on Roanoke Island. Then the debris removal efforts continue on January 21, at Morris Landing Clean Water Preserve, and finally, we wrap up this month’s clean-up efforts on January 22, with a shoreline cleanup at Hoop Pole Creek Nature Preserve in Atlantic Beach.
While we’re working to clean up the shoreline, our contracted commercial fishing crews are scouring the coastal waters in the NE and CE regions looking for lost crab pots. This annual effort is critical to ensuring that our coastal waters remain clean and safe for wildlife and vessels.
Learn more about the Lost Fishing Gear Recovery Project, below.
Tickets to our annual Hatteras Island Oyster Roast are now available but are going fast! The February 15 event is not to be missed, enjoy fresh oysters, clam chowder, cornbread, and other refreshments.
If you can’t join in person there are still ways you can participate in this signature event. Our silent auction will open soon and you’ll be able to bid on incredible items from some of our favorite local stores, restaurants, and outdoor adventure opportunities. You can even find spectacular getaways. Remember, members get notified when ticket sales open, so join as a member to hear about tickets first!
Want to be an Oyster Roast sponsor? There are still opportunities to participate in this sold-out event! Email Catherine Snead at catherines@nccoast.org for more information on this and other sponsorship opportunities.
Buy Tickets Below
All proceeds from this event directly support our work.
Adopt an Oyster is back! We are once again offering this popular and perfect Valentine’s Day gift – adopting oysters for your special someone! We offer single oyster adoptions and group adoptions that are perfect for families, groups of friends, or classroom valentines!
When you adopt an oyster, you receive fun text updates about your oyster and a variety of benefits at different adoption levels. You can also request an adoption certificate to print at home at any time.
Get Yours Today!
For many of us, January is the perfect time to take stock, make resolutions, and get our proverbial houses in order. Updating your will or estate plans could be an important part of your January checklist, particularly if you have had any changes in tax status or anticipate any significant life events like a move, a marriage, or new grandchildren. Reviewing or updating your will in January can help set a course for the year and provide peace of mind all year long. An estate planning attorney can help you include loved ones and causes that are important to you in your will. Contact Development Director Sarah King with questions about including the Coastal Federation in your estate plans.
Looking for unique ways to promote your business? Visit our website to learn more about our Community Partners Program, which offers a wide range of promotion opportunities including this newsletter, print publication, and our online news service.
You can also promote your business – or a special someone – on our award-winning online news service, Coastal Review. Our new Supporter Spotlight opportunities start at $500 for a two-week ad feature in front of 60,000 readers per month. Promote your business or honor an anniversary, retirement or other milestone.
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