Thanks to a $14.9 million grant from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration and a $1 million state appropriation, the Federation is working to complete the Pamlico Sound Oyster Sanctuary and train the next generation of restoration professionals.
In an ongoing collaboration with North Carolina State University’s Center for Marine Sciences and Technology (CMAST) and North Carolina Central University (NCCU), the completion of the 500-acre oyster sanctuary will play a role in the training of the next generation of marine scientists and restoration professionals. Eight students will be sponsored thanks to this innovative partnership. Through their engagement with the oyster sanctuary project, students will receive graduate school tuition, room and board, stipends, and specialized training such as Open Water and Scientific Diving Certifications.
To create long-lasting impacts, the graduate students will engage with K through 12 public school students and college undergraduates, aiming to inspire them to follow in their successful footprints. This program will allow students to dedicate their time and talent to work promoting habitat restoration and coastal resilience.
During their time in this program, the students will participate in research on the fish use of oyster sanctuaries, habitat suitability models that are used to predict where oyster sanctuaries would be best suited in Pamlico Sound, and the concentration of heavy metals and PFAS in restored oyster reefs, among other important research topics.
This project has forged an innovative new partnership with two local universities to sponsor eight future marine scientists and restoration professionals. They will leave their programs ready for hands-on restoration projects and relevant research. This partnership, a first in the nation, includes the Federation, a land grant university’s marine laboratory, and a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). It will serve as a model for coastal states throughout the US. If you’re interested in pursuing this research opportunity, please send an email to oysters@nccoast.org for more information.
Meet the Students
Lauren Johnson is a recent 2024 graduate of North Carolina Central University. During her time at NCCU, she was involved in multiple organizations and committed to serving her community. Upholding NCCU’s motto of truth and service, Lauren Johnson has completed over 230 hours of service while attending.
Lauren Johnson was president of Climate Reality Campus Corps and Vice President of Honda Campus All-Star Challenge during her senior year of undergrad. She is also a Spring ’23 initiate of the Alpha Lambda chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Lauren graduated Magna Cum Laude and is pursuing a master’s degree in environmental science.
Rebecca Ruiz is a Master’s student at North Carolina State University studying oyster reef ecology in response to restoration efforts in Pamlico Sound, NC. Rebecca’s project is to investigate the ecological benefits of new and recently constructed reefs that are part of the North Carolina Oyster Sanctuary Program, with the use of both active and passive acoustic monitoring techniques. In characterizing the reef’s ecological health and developing a timescale for oyster reef development, this study will be used to inform the scientific community and other organizations for the improvement of our future conservation projects.
Partners: North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University’s Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, NOAA Federal, Research Triangle Institute.
Funding Source: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration and State Appropriations.
The Restoration Continues
You can support even more oyster restoration by Adopting an Oyster.