The vision of the Blueprint is to foster collaboration among partners, ensuring oysters in North Carolina perpetuate a healthy and robust environment and economy.
In 2024, the North Carolina Coastal Federation and partners have big plans. We continue to make great strides in implementing the NC Oyster Blueprint– the statewide effort that outlines bold actions that the Federation and partners are taking to advance oyster restoration, protection, growing, harvesting and education efforts in the state.
This work is being assisted with over $16 million dollars in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration grant funds and state appropriations. Starting this year, these funds will allow us to construct at least 100 acres of new oyster habitat. Additional state appropriations and grants are supporting the state’s first aquaculture hub development- a collective space that will support shellfish growers with waterfront access, gear storage, refrigeration and other land-based support for their operations.
Furthermore, key oyster communication and education efforts that include the N.C. Oyster Trail and an interactive oyster display at the Roanoke Island Aquarium will continue to be supported.
