A Year in Review
2024 was a year of change and growth for the Federation. This year, we welcomed a new Executive Director, Dr. Braxton Davis, and continued to make great strides toward our goal of a healthy and thriving coast. We’re excited about the prospect of a new year, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t take a moment to reflect on our impact in 2024.
- Launched a five-year North Carolina Salt Marsh Action Plan for protecting, restoring, and migrating salt marsh habitats.
- Completed dozens of shoreline stabilization projects totaling nearly 3 miles.
- Constructed 40 acres of oyster sanctuary habitat at Maw Point and Brant Island, expanding the network to 17 sanctuaries covering 449 acres. Those sanctuaries now support 480 million oysters in the Pamlico Sound oyster sanctuary network, filtering 2.6 trillion gallons of water daily. This milestone marks a 30% increase with 131.5 million new oysters added in just one year.
- Removed 2,463 lost crab pots from coastal waters as part of the marine debris program, employing coastwide crews that collected an additional 265 tons (530,000 lbs.) of debris, totaling almost 4.1 million lbs. since Hurricane Florence.
- Led the removal of 45 abandoned vessels, totaling 400,000 lbs., contributing to 151 removals since 2020.
- Planted 60,000 marsh plants at the wetland restoration site at Carolina Beach State Park, completing 10 acres of wetland restoration there.
- Retrofitted 35 impervious asphalt parking stalls with permeable pavement at UNCW’s Randall parking lot, reducing stormwater runoff by 81,500 gallons per year in line with the Bradley-Hewletts Creek Watershed Restoration Plan.
- Acquired 1,430 and 590 acres on the Newport River to facilitate a large-scale, three-phase wetland restoration project.
- Held or partnered on almost 150 events, reaching over 8,000 students and adults to raise awareness about coastal issues and engage the community in conservation efforts.
These are just a few of our 2024 highlights and we look forward to accomplishing even more in the new year!
Economic Impact Study Highlights the Success of Oyster Sanctuaries
In 2024, the Federation collaborated with RTI International to conduct an economic analysis of the last ten years of oyster sanctuary construction to understand its return on investment. The final analysis indicated that for every dollar invested in oyster sanctuary work, there was a $1.71 return on investment, illustrating the significant impact our oyster sanctuary program has had on our coastal economy. You can read more of their findings on our website.
Give a Gift from the Coast
When you gift someone a Federation membership, not only do they get access to a full year of deals, our quarterly Our Coast publication, monthly newsletter, and so much more, but they are also helping to support our work to protect and restore the stunning North Carolina coast. Plus, they will also receive a set of felt oyster coasters that you can’t find anywhere else!
While this package likely won’t arrive until January, there’s still time to give the gift of a Coastal Federation Membership and we’ll send you a certificate that you can print at home!
Act fast and give a Coastal Federation Membership today!
The Federation is a Top-Rated Four Star Charity
As you consider your end-of-year giving, we want to assure you that you can give with confidence to the Federation. We have maintained our status as a top-rated Four-Star Charity for several years!
Please donate today to support land conservation and help connect more people to the coast. Over the past 42 years, we have acquired or facilitated the conservation of over 15,000 acres along the coastline. Your special year-end gift will help us accelerate our efforts to secure land for conservation and launch new educational programs that allow people to experience these beautiful properties.
Your tax-deductible donation will directly support the preliminary work required to secure land for conservation, including collaborating with landowners, completing appraisals, and developing engagement programs that utilize our conservation lands. It will also help increase the visibility of our network of properties. Additionally, you can donate stock or make a gift directly from your IRA if you are over 70 ½. However, please don’t wait! These types of gifts are easy to arrange, but they take time to process. Contact your financial institution today to check if there’s still time, or reach out to Sarah King with any questions, at sarahk@nccoast.org.
Wine & Brine
Tickets are now on sale for the fourth annual Wine & Brine event hosted by the North Carolina Seafood Festival and the Federation.
This year’s event will take place on January 17, at Southern Salt Seafood Company on the waterfront in downtown Morehead City. This event offers guests the chance to connect with local oyster growers and savor their harvests paired with wines curated by MF Chappell Wine Merchant. Alongside the shellfish tastings, Southern Salt Seafood Company will serve fresh local southern and seafood fare, further establishing North Carolina’s reputation as the “Napa Valley of Oysters.”
Donate a Vehicle
Do you have a vehicle you no longer need and are willing to donate? The Coastal Federation needs two commuter vehicles. The ideal car would have less than 100,000 miles and be a Toyota Camry or similar.
All donations are tax-deductible, and your gift would greatly help the Federation’s team. Please complete this information form if you have a vehicle that is a fit!
Happy Holidays!
With the Holiday Season in full swing, we’d like to say thank you for supporting our vibrant and enchanting coast. Your support is invaluable to our work.
Warmest wishes from all your friends at the North Carolina Coastal Federation for a joyful holiday season.
In the News
- Coastal Federation hires help to retrieve lost fishing gear – CoastalReview.Org
- The 12 Bars of Christmas: Festive, philanthropic fun now underway – The Coastland Times
- Partners of Commercial Fishermen Podcast
