Wrightsville Beach Brewery to support oyster restoration in March

Update: Wrightsville Beach Brewery donated more than $1,000 to the federation’s 50 Million Oyster Initiative. Many thanks to the brewery and to all who purchased an Oysterman Stout during the month of March!

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH — Wrightsville Beach Brewery will be donating 11 percent of the proceeds from its March “give back” beer to the North Carolina Coastal Federation.

The beer, called Oysterman’s Stout, pairs well with local oysters, which the brewery also serves. For each stout purchased during the month of March, 11 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the federation’s oyster restoration work, which helps improve water quality and provide habitat for wildlife.

Proceeds will benefit the federation’s 50 Million Oyster Initiative, which aims to restore 50 million oysters to North Carolina waters by 2020. Together, those oysters will filter and clean 2.5 billion gallons of water daily, all while providing habitat for crabs, fish and other species.

“We’re thrilled to have this partnership with Wrightsville Beach Brewery,” said Tracy Skrabal, coastal scientist and regional manager at the Wrightsville Beach office. “What’s not to love about drinking a great Oysterman’s Stout to help support oyster restoration?”

Each month for an 11-month cycle, Wrightsville Beach Brewery will select a beer to pair with a local organization and donate 11 percent of the proceeds from the sale of that beer. In December, 11 percent of all proceeds will go to all of the selected nonprofits from throughout the year.

The federation is the first organization lined up for the year.

Oysters hold a special place for the founder and owner of the brewery, Jud Watkins, who grew up in Wilmington in a commercial fishing family. According to the brewery’s website, he, his father and grandfather came up with the idea to open a brewery during one of their days harvesting oysters together.

Jud Watkins and his wife, Amber Watkins, who co-owns the brewery, both believe strongly in giving back to the community. Both have backgrounds working in youth development and social work.

Wrightsville Beach Brewery recently supported the federation through a soft-opening event and a donation-based yoga class.

The brewery is located at 6201 Oleander Drive in Wilmington. More information on its donation program can be found at wbbeer.com.

For more information, please contact Jessica Gray at 910-509-2838 or at jessicag@nccoast.org.